IMAGE  EVALUATION 
TEST  TARGET  (MT-3) 


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Photpgiaphic 

Sciences 

Corporation 


23  WEST  MAIN  STREET 

VJEBSTER.N.Y.  14580 

(716)  872-4503 


'-^'^^^^If^l^Ms'^smm^sm- 


iM 


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i 


CIHM/ICMH 

Microfiche 

Series. 


CIHIVI/ICMH 
Collection  de 
microfiches. 


Canadian  Institute  for  Historical  Microreproductions  /  Institut  Canadian  de  microreproductions  historiques 


-•-'*s«W'»ai!»"a<s»^»i5'«a»**>5»'''*'***'i**' 


/. 


Technical  and  Bibliographic  Notes/Notes  techniques  et  bibliographiques 


11 


The  Institute  hfin  attempted  to  obtain  the  best 
original  copy  available  for  tilming.  Features  of  this 
copy  which  may  be  bibliographicaily  unique, 
which  mpy  alter  any  of  the  images  in  the 
reproduction,  or  which  may  significantly  change 
the  uft.  jal  method  of  filming,  are  checked  below. 


L'Institut  a  microfilm^  le  meitleur  exemplaire 
qu'il  lui  a  6td  possible  de  se  procurer.  Les  details 
de  cet  exemplaire  qui  sont  peut-dtre  uniques  du 
point  de  vue  bibliographique,  qui  peuvent  modifier 
une  image  reproduite,  ou  qui  peuvent  exiger  uno 
modification  dans  la  mdthode  normals  de  filmage 
sont  indiqu^s  ci-dessous. 


h-     fl 


D 


Coloured  covers/ 
Couverture  de  couleur 


D 


Coloured  pages/ 
Pages  de  couleur 


:\    I 


nn    Covers  damaged/ 


Couverture  endommag^e 


Covers  restored  and/or  laminated/ 
Couverture  restaurde  et/ou  pelliculde 


Cover  title  missing/ 

Le  titre  de  couverture  manque 


□    Coloured  maps/ 
Cartes  g^ographiques  en  couleur 


D 
D 


Pages  damaged/ 
Pages  endommagdes 

Pages  restored  and/or  laminated/ 
Pages  restaurdes  et/ou  pelliculdes 

Pages  discoloured,  stained  or  foxed/ 
Pages  ddcolordes,  tachetdes  ou  piqudes 

Pages  detached/ 
Pages  d^tachdes 


D 


Coloured  ink  (i.e.  other  than  blue  or  black)/ 
Encre  de  couleur  (i.e.  autre  qua  bleue  ou  noire) 


D 


Showthrough/ 
Transparence 


I      I    Coloured  plates  and/or  illustrations/ 


Planches  et/ou  illustrations  en  couleur 

Bound  with  other  material/ 
Reli6  avec  d'autres  documents 


rr^  Tight  binding  may  cause  shadows  or  distortion 


D 


D 


along  interior  margin/ 

Lareliure  serr6e  peut  causer  de  I'ombre  ou  de  la 

distortion  le  long  de  la  marge  int6rieure 

Blank  leaves  added  during  restoratiori  may 
appear  within  the  text.  Whenever  possible,  these 
have  been  omitted  from  filming/ 
II  se  peut  que  certalnes  pages  blanches  ajoutdes 
lors  d'une  restauration  apparaissent  dans  le  texte, 
mals,  lorsque  cela  dtait  possible,  ces  pages  n'ont 
pas  6t6  fiim6es. 

Additional  comments:/ 
Commentaires  suppldmentaires; 


D 
D 
D 
G 


Qual'ty  of  print  varies/ 
Qualit^  indgale  de  I'impression 

Includes  supplementary  material/ 
Comprend  du  materiel  suppldmentaire 

Only  edition  available/ 
Seule  6dition  disponible 

Pages  wholly  or  partially  obscured  by  errata 
slips,  tissues,  etc.,  have  been  refilmed  to 
ensure  the  best  possible  image/ 
Les  pages  totaiement  ou  partiellement 
obscurcies  par  un  feuiilet  d'errata,  une  pelure, 
etc..  ont  6x6  film^es  6  nouveau  de  faqon  d 
obtenir  ia  meilleure  image  possible. 


This  item  is  filmed  at  the  reduction  ratio  checked  below/ 

Ce  document  est  filmd  au  taux  de  reduction  indiqud  cl-dessous. 

10X  14X  18X  22X 


12X 


16X 


20X 


0 

24X 


26X 


SOX 


28X 


32X 


MM 


MMMMKi'-' 


Tl 


••('TE^L.^v-^i!??'^;!^^^  ■M/.-^'~'^*^Tsa»iwflw.iVfln^?f^^  iv.*'"--' 


iiC**'    I',-  .        ■  ■»*»'*■■- 


mplaire 

Les  details 
iniques  du 
vent  modifier 

exiger  uno 
e  de  filmage 


The  copy  filmed  here  has  been  reproduced  thanics 
to  the  generosity  of: 

Library  of  Congress 
Photodupiication  Service 

The  images  appearing  here  are  the  best  quality 
possible  considering  the  condition  and  legibility 
of  the  original  copy  and  in  iceeping  with  the 
filming  contract  specifications. 


L'exempiaire  filmA  fut  reproduit  grdce  A  !a 
g6n6rosit4  de: 

Library  of  Congress 
Photodupiication  Service 

Les  images  suivantes  ont  4t6  reproduites  avec  le 
plus  grand  soin,  compte  tenu  de  la  condition  et 
de  la  netteti  de  l'exempiaire  fl9m6,  et  en 
conformity  avec  les  conditions  du  contrat  de 
filmage. 


d/ 
^es 

>xed/ 
piqu^es 


Original  copies  ir  printed  paper  covers  are  filmed 
beginning  with  the  front  cover  and  ending  on 
the  last  page  with  a  printed  or  illustrated  impres- 
sion, or  the  back  cover  when  appropriate.  All 
other  original  copies  are  filmed  beginning  on  the 
first  page  with  a  printed  or  illustrated  impres- 
sion, and  ending  on  the  last  page  with  a  printed 
or  illustrated  impression. 


Les  exemplaires  originaux  dont  la  couverture  en 
papier  est  imprimte  sont  fiimte  en  commen9ant 
par  le  premier  plat  et  en  terminant  solt  par  la 
dernlAre  page  qui  comporte  une  empreinte 
d'Impression  ou  d'illustration,  solt  par  le  second 
plat,  salon  le  cas.  Tous  les  autres  exemplaires 
originaux  sont  fllmfo  en  commenpant  par  la 
premiere  page  qui  comporte  une  empreinte 
d'Impression  ou  d'illustration  et  en  terminant  par 
la  dernlAre  page  qui  comporte  une  telle 
empreinte. 


The  last  recorded  frame  on  each  microfiche 
shall  contain  the  symbol  —»-( meaning  "CON- 
TINUED"), or  the  symbol  V  (meaning  "END"), 
whichever  applies. 


Un  dee  symboles  suivants  apparaftra  sur  la 
dernidre  image  de  cheque  microfiche,  selon  le 
cas:  le  symbols  — ►  signifie  "A  SUIVRE  ",  le 
symbols  V  signifie  "FIN  ". 


al/ 
lentalre 


Maps,  plates,  cherts,  etc.,  may  be  filmed  at 
different  reduction  ratios.  Those  too  large  to  be 
entirely  Included  in  one  exposure  are  filmed 
beginning  in  the  upper  left  hand  corner,  left  to 
right  and  top  to  bottom,  as  many  frames  as 
required.  The  following  diagrams  illustrate  the 
method: 


Les  cartes,  planches,  tableaux,  etc.,  peuvent  Atre 
filmte  d  des  taux  de  reduction  dlff6rents. 
Lorsque  le  document  est  trop  grand  pour  Atre 
reproduit  en  un  seul  clichA,  11  est  f llmA  A  partir 
de  I'angle  supArieur  gauche,  de  geuche  A  droite, 
et  de  haut  en  bas,  en  prenant  le  nombre 
d'images  nAcessaire.  Les  diagrammes  suivants 
illustrent  la  mAthode. 


red  by  errata 
Bfilmed  to 
f 

liement 

ita,  une  peiure, 

de  fagon  h 

ibie. 


OX 


1 

2 

3 

32X 


1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

nwiintiiT  nifltiiHmtaTiww  nTyii  iir  i 


PI 


f 

t 
it 

I 

e 
■f 


II 


e 

/ 
>f 
S 

y 
d 


c  c 

Wherei 
is  Ri 
the  i 
Ame 
liber 
exalt 
Perm 
obtai 
with 


Will 

Then 
Even 


Printed, 


'I  Wf  I  M. I     II tmimnym^imt  ■  wiaiip .i^vji 1 1 wb|i    ■.  i _ 


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a 
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e 
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e 

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s 

7 
d 


:h 


PLAIN  TRUTHi 


ADDRESSED       TO       THB 


IN  H  AB  ITANTS 


O    F 


A    M     E     R     I     C 


A, 


Containing,     Remarks 

ON    A    LATE  .PAMPHLET, 

entitled 

COMMON      SENSE: 

Wherein  are  (hewn,  that  the  Scheme  of  Independence 
IS  Ruinous,  Delufive,  and  Impraflkable :  That  wer« 
the  Author's  Affeverations.  Refpefting  the  Po^eHf 
rZlVV-     ?»R"1.?»  Nugatory,  Reconciliation  on 

iv/l,^  p"r"P'"  r'j'  ?*".^  Ba.TA.N.  would  be 
exalted  Policy :     And  that  circumftanced  as  we  are 
Permanent  Liberty,  and  True  Happinefs,   can  only  be 

Srt^V^^'^/^^^^^^^^ONNECTlWs 
ttun  that  Kingdom. 

WajTTEN  BvCANDIDUS. 
^HE    SECON  D    EDITION. 

Will  ye  turn  from  flattery,  and  attend  to  this  Side.  ? 

There  TauTH,  unlicenc'd,  walks;  and  dares  accft 
Even  Kings  themfclvss,    the  Monarch,  of  the  Free !       ' 
Thomsom  on  the  Liberties  of  Britain. 

PHILADELPHIA: 

Printed,   and  Sold,   by  R.     BELL,    in  Third-Street. 

MDCCLXXVL 


*, 


It 


in 


t  I; 


n 

4 


m«KiK?^ti-.!icl.i>,  s'&i.ja^uijlO,.  ^k,.,l!^^^-, 


*i.>^'.-   ^i>^  ^"  f.^' 


Jill 


i'i 


TO 

JOHN    DICKINSON,  Eiquire  j 

ALTHOUGH  I  have  not  the  Honor 
to  be  known  to  You,  I  am  not  un- 
acquainted with  YOUR  native  Candor 
and  unbounded  Benevolence.  As  happy 
as  obfcure,  I  am  indeed  a  (Iranger  to  the 
language  of  Adulation.  Flattery  I  detefl  i 
Virtue,  I  Refpcdt. 

Be  not  offended  Sir,  if  I  remark,  that 
YOUR  Character,  is  contemplated  with 
profound  Veneration,  by  the  Fiicnds  of 
the  Conftitution.  Thofe  Abilities,  which 
YOU  fo  illuftrioufly  difplayed  in  defence 
of  the  Conftitution;  they  now  fuppli- 
cato  YOU  to  exert,  in  faving  it  from  im- 
pending ruin,  under  the  Syren  form  of  de- 
lufive   Independence. 

Step  then  forth  j  exert  thofe  Talents 
with  which  Heaven  has  endowed  you; 
and  caufe  the  Pareiit,  and  her  Children  to 
embrace,  and  be  foes  no  morci  Ardous  as 
this  cxtraordinMy  tafk  may  feem,  perhaps 

your 


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luv  ajj  I  •  nfi' 


„;»«lj(!-y!r!r  "^wipw""!"-  ■   «•» 


I- 


DEDICATION. 

YotJR  Virtue  and  Talents,  may  yet  cffcft 
it.  Your  Endeavors  to  ftop  the  Effufion 
of  Blood,  of  Torrents  of  Blood,  is  worthy 
of  YOUR  acknowledged  Humanity.— Even 
the  honcft  attempt  upon  rceoUedtion,  will 
afford  YOU  ineffable  fati»fadtion. 

My  presuming  toinfcribc  to  you,  the 
ftllowing  crude  Remarks,  is  to  remind 
you.,  Sir,  what  yc-ur  diftrefled  Country 
expeds,  nay,  loudly  demands  from  your 
cxtcnfivc  Capacity. 

1  BEG  YOU  will  forgive  this  temerity ; 
and  that  you  may  long  enjoy  the  fruits  of 
YOUR  Exalicd  Virtue,  and  remain  an  Honor 
to  YOUR  Country,  and  to  Mankind  ;  IsihQ 
ardent  wi(h  of  .    ^'  ^>i 

Sir,  .  ^     ' - 

Tour  moft  Obedient,       .. 

and  ReJpeSiful  Servant, 

CANDIDUS. 


U.-^-  .Vi*W*«' 


■j«!fW*'  w"?"*";'  ■  "•* 


I    iVHWJJIIiHimMliimil.miniyLl  II  I    MP"  I 


O  N. 

lay  yet  cfFcft 
the  Effufion 
od,  is  worthy 
janity. — Even 
olledlion,  will 

)c  to  YOU,  the 
is  to  remind 
eflcd  Country 
is  from  your 


this  temerity; 
^  the  fruits  of 
main  an  Honor 
ankind ;  is  thQ 

bedienti 
^ful  Servant, 
^NDIDUS, 


INTRODUCTION. 

IF  indignant  at  the  Dodrine  contained  ia 
the  Pamphlet,  entitled  Common  Sense  J 
I  have  exprcfled  mylclf,  in  the  follow- 
ing Obfcrvations,  with  feme  ardor  j  I  en- 
treat the  Reader  to  impute  my  indigna- 
tion, to  huncft  zeal  againft  the  Author's 
Infidious  Tenets.  Animated  and  impelled 
by  every  inducement  of  the  Human  Heart; 
I  love,  and  (if  I  dare  fo  exprefs  myfelf,)  I 
adore  my  Country.  Patrionatcly  devoted  to 
true  Liberty  j  I  glow  with  the  pureft  flame 
of  Patriotifm.  Silver 'd  with  age  as  I  am, 
if  I  know  myfelf,  my  humble  Sword  (hall 
not  be  wanting  to  my  Country  j  (if  the 
moft  Honorable  Terms  are  not  tendered  by 
the  Britifli  Nation)  to  whofe  Sacred  Caufe, 
I  am  moft  fervently  devoted.  The  judicious 
Reader,  will  not  impute  my  hone.  .  tho* 
bold  Remarks,  to  unfriendly  defigns  againft 
my  Children — —againft  my  Country  ;  but 
to  abhorrence  of  independency  ;  which  if 
cffeded,  would  inevitably  plunge  our  once 
pre-eminently  envied  Country  into  Ruin, 
Horror,  and  DefoUtion.  " 


1^ 


'_.■'  vww**i&' 


*  -4iiaw*i-  ■'■  ^'4*i*B*'t"> ' 


v'^^mmi*  mw  n^  * 


*   .- 


MEMORANDUM. 

The  firft  Edition  of  thii  Pamphlet,  having  fold  expe- 
ditiouny,  at  three  Diiinng.,  hath  encouraged  the  Pub. 
lifher  to  print  this  fecund  Edition,  and  to  enlarge  lU 
number  J    on    which  account,  he    now    fcUeth  it,   for 

TWO    SHILLINGS.        - 

Notwithftanding,  tieble  price  ii  charged  for  Lin«D, 
and  oiher  Dry  Goods.  ^    , 

Double  price  for  Writing,  and  Printing  Paper. 
A  price  and  a  half,  for  Rum,  Sugar,    and  Coffee. 

Yet  the  Bookfeller  is  determined  to  fell  this  Second 
Edition,  at  the  fmall  price  of  Two  Shillings,  imitating 
in  this  Sale  of  Food  fo-  the  M  i »  o  the  worthy  Example 
of  the  honcft  Farmers,  who  fell  the  Food  of  the  Body,  it 
the  reafonable  rate  of  a  SINGLE   PRICE. 

N.  B.  Large  Allowance  to  thofe  who  buy  per  tW 
Hundred  or  Dozen. 

If  a  numerous  Third  Edition  (upon  Small  Type!) 
Ihould  be  defired,  the  Price  will  then  be  determined  in 
proportion  to  its  Number ;  efpecially  to  thofe,  who  are 
pleafed  to  engage  with  the  Printer  for  fome  certain 
Quantities,  before  it  again  goeth   to  the  PRESS, 


U    M. 

aving  fold  expe- 
uraged  the  Pub* 
id  to  enlarge  iti 
r    fcUech  it,   fo{ 


S. 


^  r  r  • 


rged  for  Linen, 

)tiDg  Paper. 

and  Coffee. 

fell  this  Second 

illtngs  imitating 

worthy  Example 

of  the  Body,  at 

PRICE. 

rko  buy  per  ^ 


in  Small  Type!) 
)e  determined  in 
to  thofe,  who  are 
for  fome  certain 
THE   PRESS. 


PLAIN    TRUTH} 


CONTAINING, 

REMARKS    ON    A   LATE   PAMPHLET, 

ENTITLED    COMMON    SENSE. 

I  HAVE  now  before  me  the  PampMet, 
entitled  common  sense;  on  which  [ 
Hiall  remai  k  with  freedom  and  canduur^ 
It  may  not  be  improper  to  remind  my  rea- 
der, that  the  invcftigation  of  my  fubjcdl, 
demands  the  utmoft  freedom  of  enquiry. 
I  therefore  entreat  his  indulgence ;  and  tliaC 
he  will  carefully  remember,  that  intempe- 
rate 2eal,  is  as  injurious  to  liberty,  as  a 
manly  difcuffion  of  fads  is  friendly  to  it, 
"Liberty,  fays  the  great  MonTesqijieu,  is 
a  right  of  doing  whatever  the  luws  perm  tj 
and  if  a  citizen  could  do  what  they  forbid, 
he  would  no  longer  be  poflcffed  of  liberty, 
becaufe  all  his  fellow  citizens  would  have 
the  fame  power."  In  the  beginning  of  hia 
pamphlet,*  the  Author  affert?,  that  fociety 
in  every  ftate  is  a  blefling.  This  in  the  fin- 
cerity  of  my  heart  i  deny ;  fur  it  is  fupreme 
mifery  to  be  affociated  with  thofe,  who  to 
promote  their  ambitious  purpofes,  flagiti-< 

B  ouiiy 


10        PLAIN    TRUTH.. 

oiifly  pervert  tlic  ends  of  political  focicfy. 
J  do  not  lay  that  our  Aull'.oris  indebted  lu 
Burgh's  Political  Disquisitions,  or 
to  Rousseau's  Social  Conn  aft  fcr  his  dc- 
finnion  of  Government,  and  his  larpc  Tree  ; 
although  1  vvilh  hs  had  favoured  his  rcudct 
with  the  fulluwin;^  cxtrad  from  that  lub- 
lime  rcafoncr.     "  To  invcnigate  ihofe  con- 
ditions of  focicty  which  may  heft  anfwcr  the 
purpofe  of  nations  would  require  the  abi- 
litics  of  f"mc    fupcricr   intelligence,  who 
flionld  be  witncfs  to  all  the  paflionsof  men, 
but  be  fubjcd>  itrdi'  to  none,  who  Hiould 
have  no  connedions  with  human  nature, 
but  fhould  have  a  perfcdl  knowledge  of  it: 
A  Being,  in  (liort,  whofc  happinefs  (liould 
be  independent  of  us,  and  who  would  ne- 
verthelel's  employ  itfclf  about  us.     It  is  the 
province  of  Gods  to  make  laws  for  Men." 
With  the  utmoft  deference  to  the  celebrated 
Rousseau,  I  cannot  indeed  imagine,  that 
laws  even  fo  conftruded,  would  materially 
benefit  our  impcrfcd  race;  unlfifs  omnil- 
cience  deigned  previoufly  to  exalt  our  na- 
ture.    The  jud'cious  reader  will  therefore 
perceive,  that  malevolence  only,  is  rcqui- 
iite  to  declaim  againft,  and  arraign  the  moft 
pcrfed  Governments.    Our  Politica!  I^t.ick 
avails  himfclf  of  this  trite  expedient,  to  ca- 
jole  the  people  into  the  moft  abjcd  11  ivery, 

undci 


iindcf 
His  H 

C'lUlli 

ti«  nfi, 

of  mr 

ri!y  o 

vi(iua 

other 

cufly 

to  th 

than 

fuch  ( 

redu: 

the  C( 

fuper 

Thiri 

ranni 

befil 

excel 

of  di: 

MON 

poun 

mocr 

Sovei 

influ( 

and 

thihk 

indcl 

with 


II. 


PLAIN    TRUTH. 


II 


iticil  (ockty. 
8  intitbtcd  tu 
S1TI0N8,  or 
ft  for  his  dc- 
s  lar^c  Tree ; 
cd  his  reader 
om  that  iub- 
ite  ihofe  con- 
sft  anfwcr  the 
juirc  the  abi- 
ligcncc,   who 
flions  of  men, 
,  who  fliould 
iman  nature, 
wlcdge  of  it: 
>p^ne(s  (hould 
ho  would  ne- 
us.     It  is  the 
iws  for  Men." 
the  celebrated 
imagine,  that 
uld  materially 
unlfifs  omnil- 
exalt  our  na- 
will  thcrtforc 
)nly,  is  requi- 
raign  the  moft 
Political  ^Lid 
pedient,  to  ca- 
abjcdl  11  jvery, 
undci 


under  the  dclufive  nime  of  independcnc-. 
His  Hr(t  indecent  attack  is  againrt  the  Knglilh 
conllituiion  ;  which  with  all  its  imperfcc- 
til  nfi,  is,  and  ever  will  be  the  pride  and  envy 
of  mnnk'nd.  To  this  panegyric  involunta- 
rily our  author  Aibfcrihes  by  granting  indi- 
viduals to  be  fafcr  in  England,  than  in  any 
other  part  of  Europe.  Hi  indeed  infidi* 
cudy  attributes  this  pre-eminent  excellency, 
to  the  conftitution  of  the  people,  rathi-r 
than  to  our  excellent  conlliiuiijn.  '1  o 
fuch  contemptible  fubterfnge  is  our  Author 
reduced.  1  wuuld  nfk  him,  why  did  not 
the  conftitution  of  thw-  people  afford  them 
fuperior  f^fcty,  in  the  reign  of  Richard  the 
Third,  Henry  the  E'ghih,  and  other  ty- 
rannic princes?  Many  pages  might  indeed 
be  filled  with  encomiums  beft  )wcd  on  our 
excellent  conftitution,  by  illulliious  authors 
of  different  nations.  '      'f"    •?  -i  "•"  '  ■ . 

1  his  beautiful  fyflem  (according  to 
Montesquieu)  our  conititution  is  a  com- 
pound oi  Monarchy,  Ariftocracy,  rnd  De- 
mocracy. But  it  is  often  faid,  that  tiie 
Sovereign,  by  honours  and  appointments, 
influences  the  Commons.  The  profound 
and  elegant  Hume  agitating  this  q-jelUon, 
thinks,  to  this  circumflancc,  we  are  in  part 
indebted  for  our  fupreme  felicity  j  fiiice 
without  fuch  controjl  in  the  Crown,  our 

Caju-.i'.ti:iv,n 


' 


,  I 


'1^1 


ii< 


1^^! 


12 


PLAIN    TRUTH. 


ConOi'^ution  would  immediately  degenerate 
into  Democracy;  a  Government,  which  in 
the  fequel,  J  hope  to  prove  ineligible.  Were 
I  aikcd  marks  ol  the  b<  ft  government,  and 
the  purpofe  of  political  fociety,  I  would  re- 
ply, the  encreafc,  prcfervation,  and  profpe- 
rity  of  its  members,  in  no  quarter  of  the 
Globe,  are  thofe  marks  fo  certainly  to  be 
iound,  as  in  Great  Britain,  and  her  depend- 
encies. After  cur  Author  has  employed 
feveral  pages,  to  break  the  mounds  of  fociety 
by  dcbafing  Monarchs :  He  fays,  *•  The 
plain  tiuih  is,  that  the  antiquity  of  Englifli 
Monarchy  will  not  bear  looking  into." 

Hume  treating  of  the  original  contra<Sl', 
has  ihe  following  melancholy,  but  fenfible 
obfcrvation,  *' Yet  reafon  tells  us,  that  there 
is  no  properly  in  durable  objedts,  fuch 
as  lands,  and  houfes,  when  carefully  ex- 
amined, in  paffing  from  hand  to  hand,  but 
muft  in  fome  period,  have  been  founded  on 
fraud  and  injuftice.  1  he  neccffities  of  hu- 
man fociety,  neither  in  private  or  public 
life,  will  allow  of  fuch  an  accurate  enquiryj 
and  there  is  no  virtu*  or  moral  duty,  but 
what  may,  wiih  facility,  be  refined  away, 
if  we  indulge  a  falfe  philolophy,  in  fifting 
and  fcrutinizing,  by  every  captious  rule  of 
logic,  in  every  light  or  pofition  in  which  it 
may  be  placed." 

Say 


Say 
we  ad< 
turpiti 
lofoph 
Mona 
Bncfl) 
tiblc  r: 
Wefi 
of  mi 
and  ej 
forty  ] 
conde 
althou 
the  K 
arrive 
which 
inhabi 
The 
juftly 
aad  tl 
abhor 
kind. 
induH 
langu 
V/e  r 
fo  rei 
fuppo 
draw 
able  I 
that 


'H. 


PLAIN    TRUTH. 


;3 


!  degenerate 
t,  which  in 
pble.  Were 
nment,  and 
I  would  re- 
and  profpe- 
arter  of  the 
Cainly  to  be 
her  depend- 
s  employed 
ds  of  ibciety 
fays,  "  The 
f  of  Englifli 
I  into." 
al  contra<S, 
but  fenfible 
s,  that  there 
:ije(fts,  fuch 
areful!y  ex- 

0  hand,  but 
founded  on 

iities  of  hu- 
e  or  public 
ate  enquiryi 

1  duty,  but 
:fined  away, 
U  in  fifting 
:iou8  rule  of 

in  which  it 

Say 


Say  ye  votaries  of  honour  and  truth,  can 
we  adduce  a  ftronj^er  proof  of  our  Author's 
turpitude,  than  his  quoting  the  anti-phi- 
lofophical  ftory  of  the  Jews,  to  debafe^ 
Monarchy,  and  the  bert  of  Monarchs. 
Briefly  examining  the  ftory  of  this  contemp- 
tible race,  more  birbarous  than  our  lavat^j^s: 
We  find  their  hiftory  a  continued  fucceliion 
of  miracles,  aftonifhing  our  imaginations, 
and  excrcifitig  vu-  faith.  After  wandering- 
forty  years  in  horrid  defarta,  they  are  chiefly^ 
condemned  to  peri fh  for  their  pervcrfencfs-, 
although  under  the  immediate  dominion  of 
the  King  of  Heaven.  At  length,  they 
arrive  in  the  (tcrile  country  of  Paleftine; 
which  they  conquer,  by  exterminating  the: 
inhabitants,  and  warring  like  Demons. 
The  inhabitants  of  the  acijoining  regions, 
juftly  therefore  held  them  in  detellation, 
aad  the  Jews  finding  ihemfelves  conftaritiy 
abhorred,  have  ever  fince  hated  all  man- 
kind. This  people,  as  deftitute  of  arts  and 
induflry,  as  humanity,  had  not  even  in  th::ir 
language  a  word  cxpreffive  of  education. 
V/e  might  indeed  remind  our  Author,  who 
fo  readily  drags  in  the  Old  Tcftament  to 
fupport  his  finifter  meafurcs,  that  we  could 
draw  from  that  fource,  many  texts,  favour- 
able to  Monarchy,  were  we  not  conlciojs, 
that  the  Moiaic  Law,  gives   way  to  the 

Gofpcl 


f « 


Y\ 


I  i 


fi  - 


,4         PLAIN    TRUTH. 

Gofpcl  Dirpenfation,  The  reader  no  douH 
will  be  gratified  by  the  following  extract 
from  a  mod  primitive  Chriftian.  "  Chrilli- 
anity  is  a  fpiritual  religion,  relative  on'y  to 
celcftial  oh]t€ts.  The  Chriftian's  inheri- 
tan<;c  is  not  of  this  world.  He  performs 
his  duty  it  is  true,  but  this  he  does  with  a 
profound  indifference  for  the  good  or  ill 
fuccefs  of  his  endeavours:  Provided  he  hath 
nothing  to  reproach  himfelf,  it  is  of  little 
confcqucnce  to  him  whether  maiers  go 
vvgU  or  ill  here  below.  It  the  ftate  be  in  a 
fljuri(hing  condition,  he  can  hardly  venture 
to  rejoice  in  the  public  felicity,  Icalt  he 
fliould  be  puffed  up,  with  the  inordinate 
pride  of  his  country's  glory.  If  the  (late 
decline,  he  blcffes  the  hand  of  God,  that 
humbles  his  people  to  the  duft." 

Having  defined  the  beft  government,  I 
will  humbly  attempt  to  dclcribe  good  Kings 
by  the  following  unerring  rule.  1  he  beft 
Princes  are  conflanlly  calumniated  by  the 
envenomed  tongues  nnd  pens  of  the  tnoft 
worthlefs  of  their  fubjedc.  I'or  this  me- 
lancholy truth,  do  I  appeal  to  the  teftimony 
of  impartial  hiftorians,  and  long  experience. 
The  noble  impartial  hiftorian  Sully,  fpeak- 
ing  of  the  almoft  divine  Henry  the  Fourth 
of  France  fays,  *'  Thus  was  this  god-like 
prince  reprelented  (by  the  difcontcnted  of 

thcle 


TH. 

ader  no  douH 
wing  extract 
n.    "  Chridi- 
lative  on'y  to 
ftian's   inheri- 
He  performs 
c  does  with  a 
s  good  or  ill 
)vidcd  he  hath 
it  is  of  little 
r   maters  go 
e  ftate  be  in  a 
lardly  venture 
icity,  Icalt  he 
he  inordinate 
If  the  (hte 
of  God,  that 
ft." 

government,  I 
be  good  Kings 
lie.  1  he  beft 
iniated  by  the 
s  of  the  moft 
1 'or  this  me- 
ihc  teftimony 
ng  experience. 
I  Sully,  fpeak« 
uy  the  Fourth 
s  this  god-like 
lifcontcnted  of 


PLAIN    TRUTH. 


15 


thcfe  days)  almod  throughout  his  whole 
kingdom,  as  a  furiou,,  end  implacable 
tyrant:  They  were  never  without  one  fet 
of  arguments  to  engage  his  catholic  nobility 
in  a  rebellion  awaintl  him,  and  another  to 
low  fedition  among  bis  proteftant  officers 
ar'd  gentry,"  Hume  fays,  that  the  cruel 
unrelenting  tyrant,  Philip  the  Second  of 
Spam,  with  his  infernal  Inquilition,  was 
n't  m  .re  detcilcd  by  the  people  of  the 
Nttherlniids,  than  was  the  humane  Char- 
les, with  bis  inofFenfive  Liturgy,  by  his 
mutinous  fubjeds.  The  many  unmerited 
infults  cff\rcd  to  cur  gracious  Sovereign  i 
by  the  unpri.icipl.d  Wilkes,  and  others 
down  to  this  late  Author ;  will  forever 
difgrace  humanity.  For  he  fays,  **  that  mo- 
narchy was  the  mod  profperous  invention 
the  Devil  ever  fet  on  foot  for  the  pro- 
motion of  idolatry.  It  is  the  pride  of  Kings 
which  throws  mankind  into  confufion  :  Jq. 
fliort,  continues  this  Author,  monarchy  and 
fucccflion,  have  laid  not  this  or  that  king- 
dom only,  but  the  world  in  blood  and 
iihes."  How  deplorably  wretched  the 
condition  of  mankind,  could  they  believe 
lach  execrable  flagitious  jargon.  Unhap- 
prly  indeed,  tnankind  in  every  age  are  fuf- 
ceptible  of  dclufion  j  but  furely  our  Au- 
thor's poilbn  carries  its  antidote  with  it. 

Attentive 


h  i 


*  i 


26 


PLAIN    TRUTH. 


Attentive  to  the  fpirit  of  his  publication,' 
we  fancy  ourfehes  in  the  barbarous  fif- 
teenth  century;  in  which  period  our  Au- 
thor would  have  figured  wiih  his  •*  Common 

Senfe and  blood  veill  attend  it." 

After  his  terrible  anathema  againft  cur 
venerable  conllitution,  and  monarchy;  let 
us  briefly  examine  a  dcmocratical  ftate  j  and. 
fee  whether  or  not  it  is  a  government  lefs 
fanguinary.    This  government  is  extremely 
plauUble,  and  indeed  flattering  to  the  pride 
of  mankind.      The  demagogues  therefore, 
to  feduce  the  people  into  their  criminal  de- 
figns   ever   hold  up  democracy  to  them; 
although  confcious  it  never   did,  nor  ever 
will  anfwer   ia  pradice.     If  we  believe  a 
great  Author,  ««  There  never  exiftcd,  nor 
ever  will  exift  a   real    democracy   in   the 
Vv^orld."     If  we  examine  the  republics  of 
Greece  and  Rome,  we  ever  find  them  in  a 
i!:ate   of  war   domeftic   or   foreign.      Our 
Author    therefore  makes   no   mention   of 
thefe  ancient  States.      *'  'When  Alexander 
ordered   all     the    exiles,    to   be    reftored 
throughout  all  the  cities,  it  was  found  that 
the  whole   amounted  to  twenty  thoufand, 
the  remains  probably  of  ftill  greater  flaugh- 
ters  and  maffacres.     What  an   aftoniOiing 
number  in  fo  narrow  a  country  as  aneient 
Greece  ?    and    what   domeftic    confufion, 

jealoufy, 


TH. 

3  publication," 
Darbarous  fif- 
?riod  our  Au- 
lis  '*  Common 
id  it." 

fa  againft  our 
nonarchy ;  let 
ical  ftate  j  and. 
ivernmcnt  lefs 
t  is  extremely 
g  to  the  pride 
>ues  therefore, 
r  criminal  de- 
icy  to  them; 
did,  nor  ever 
we  believe  a 
r  exifted,  nor 
)cracy  in   the 
ic  republics  of 
ind  them  in  a 
oreign.      Our 
5   mention   of 
ien  Alexander 
be    reftored 
/as  found  that 
:nty  thoufand, 
greater  flaugh- 
m  aftoni(hing 
itry  as  ancient 
tic   confufion, 
jealoufy, 


PLAIN     TRUTH. 


'7 


jealou fy,  partiality,  revenge,  heart-burn- 
ings muft  tear  thofe  cities,  where  fadions 
were  wrought  up  to  fuch  a  degree  of  fury 
and  dcfpair."  Apian's  hiftory  of  the  civil 
wars  of  Rome,  contains  the  mofl:  fright- 
ful pidlure  of  maflacres,  profcripiions,  and 
forfeitures  that  ever  were  prefcntcd  to  the 
world. 

The  excellent  Montefquieu  -declares, 
"  that  a  democracy  fuppofes  the  concur- 
rence of  a  number  of  circumftances  rarely 
anited.  In  thefirft  place,  it  is  rcquifite  that 
the  ftate  itfelf  fliould  be  of  fmall  extent;  (o 
that  the  people  might  be  eafily  affembled 
and  perfonally  known  to  each  other.  Se- 
condly, the  fimplicity  of  their  manners, 
(hould  be  fuch  as  to  prevent  a  multiplicity 
of  affairs,  and  perplexity  in  difcuffing  them  s 
And  thirdly,  there  fliould  fubfift  a  great  de- 
gree of  equality  between  them,  in  point  of 
right  and  authority  :  Laftly,  there  Ihould 
be  little  or  no  hjxury,  for  luxury  muft 
either  be  the  cfFccft  of  wealth,  or  it  muft 
make  it  neceflary.  It  corrupts  at  once, 
both  rich  and  poor :  The  one,  by  the 
pofleftion,  and  the  other,  by  the  want  of  it." 
To  this  may  be  added  continues  the  fame 
Author,  «'  that  no  government  is  fo  fubjeft 
to  Civil  Wars,  and  Intestine  Commo- 
tions, as  that  of  the  democratical  or  po- 

C  pular 


f3        PLAIN      TRUTH. 

pular   form ;    bccaufe,    no   other   tends  (6 
ftrongly  and  fo  conftantly  to  alter,  nor  re- 
quires fo  much  vigilance,  and  fortitude   to 
prefervc  it   from  alteration.     It   is  indeed, 
in   fuch  a  conftitution,     particularly,   that 
A  Citizen  fliould  always  be  armed  with  for- 
titudp,    and  conftancy  i    and  (hould  every 
day,  in  the  fincerity  of  hi5  heart,   g^ard  a- 
gainft  corruption,  arifing  either  from  felhlh- 
nefs  in  himielf,  or  in  his  compatriots ;  for  it 
it  once  enters  into   public   tranfaftionf,  to 
root  it  out  afterwards  wouH  be  miraculous. 
Our   Author  afferts,    that  Holland   and 
Swifferland  are   without  wars  domeftic   or 
foreign.     About   a  ccntary  ago,    Holland 
was  in  a  few  weeks  over-run  by  the  arms  ot 
France,   and  almoft  miraculoufly  (aved  by 
the  gallantry  of  her  Prince  of  Orange,  lo 
celebrated  afterwards  by  the  name  of  Wil- 
liacn  the  Third.     Almoft  from  that  period, 
until  the  treaty  of  Ut.etht,  Holland  was  a 
principal  in  wars,    the  mod  expenfive  and 
bloody,  ever  waged  by  human  kind.     The 
wounds  fhe  then  received  were  unhealed  m 
1744,  wJ^-"    reludtanily  rouied   from   her 
pacific  lethargy,  flie  was  dragged  into  war; 
and  lofinj^  her  impregnable  Bergenopzoom, 
and  Maeiiricht ;  was  again  en  the  brmk  ot 
becoming    a    province    to    France,    when 
happily   liberated  by    the    Briuai  Nation. 


w^ 


J  T  H. 

ler  tends  fo 
Iter,  nor  re- 
fortitude  to 
t  is  indeed, 
cuiarly,  that 
led  with  for- 
(hould  every 
irt,  guard  a- 
from  felfifti- 
atriots ;  for  if 
nfaiftionf,  to 
;  miraculous. 

Holland  and 
domeftic  or 
go,  Holland 
y  the  arms  of 
ufly  (aved  by 
f  Orange,  fo 
jame  of  Wil- 
1  that  period, 
loUand  was  a 
X pen five  and 
1  kind.  The 
e  unhealed  in 
ed  from  her 
Ted  into  war; 
;rgenopzooin, 
I  the  brink  of 
ranee,  when 
rilifli  Nation. 


PLAIN    TRUTH. 


19 


In  the  war  of  1756.     Holland  continually 
infultcd  in  the  capture  of  her  fijips,  by  our 
cruifcrs ;    prefervsd  a  humiliating   neutrali- 
ty.    If  vidory  indeed  had  not  crowned  the: 
Briti(h    banners ;    the    Dutch    indubitably 
would  have  aflifted  their  natural  Allies,  in 
whatever  quarter  of  the  globe  attacked:  For 
it  is  incontcftibly  true  ;  that  the  exift^nce 
of  Holland,  as   a  State,  depends,  and   in- 
variably will  depend,  on  the  profpcriiy  of 
Great  Britain.     Since  the  murder  of  Barne- 
velr,  and  the  immort^il  de  WiiS,  by  the  de- 
luded furious   people,    Holland    h^th    too 
often  been  (fonvulfed  by  anarchy,  and  torn 
by    party.      Unfortunately  alas  1    for  the 
caufe  of  hum^inity  j  the  rugged  and  incult 
defarts  of  SwiflerlSnd,  preclude  not  ambi- 
tion, fpdltion,    and   anarchy.      Her   ble3k 
and  barren  mountains  do  not  fo   effedu- 
ally  fecure  precarious  liberty,  as  dally  vend- 
ing her  fonfi  to  the  adjoining  nations,  parti- 
cularly to  France  ;  by  whom   the  thirteen 
Cantons,  could   be   fnhjefled    in  as   many 
days,   did  that  court  meditate  fo  fcnfclcfs 
and  delufivc  an  objeft.     Nugatory  indeed, 
if  we  confider,   that  France    derives   more 
fubftantial     advantage    from     the     prelent 
llate  of  SwifTerland,  than  if  (he  exhaufted 
herfelf,  to  maintain    numerous   Battalions, 


i    ! 


to  bridle  the  Cantons. 


A  moment,  jet  us 
fuppofe. 


i 


ii{il;J-l 


23 


PLAIN    TRUTH. 


fuppofe,  that  our  author's   afleverations  of 
Holland  and  Svviflerland,  are  as  real  as  de- 
lufive  :  His  inferences  do  not  flow  from  his 
premifcs  ;  fur  their  fuperior  advantages,  do 
not  arilc   from   their  popular  government, 
but   from    circumftances  of  peculiar    local 
felicity,    obliging    the    princes  of  Europe, 
to  defend  them  from  the  omnipotent  land 
force,  if  I  may  fo  fpeak  of  Fiance.     After 
impotcntly  attacking   our    Sovereign  j  and 
the  conftitution  :  He  contradifts  the  voice 
of  all  mankind,  by  declaring,  that  America 
<»  would  have  flouriftied  as  much,  and  pro- 
bably much  more,  had  no  European  power 
taken  any  notice  of  her." 

If  he  means,  that  had  this  Continent  been 
unexplored,  the  original  inhabitants  would 
have  been  happier  :  For  once,  I  agree  with 
him.     Previous  to  the  fettlemcnt  of  thefe 
Provinces  by  our  Anceftors,   the   kingdom 
of  France     was    convuUed    by     religious 
phrenzy.      This,    and    Sebaftian    Cabot's 
'  prior  difcovcry,  perhaps,   happily   afforded 
the   people  of  England,    an  opporttinity  of 
locating  thcfe  Provinces.     At  length,  peace 
bvring    reftorcd  to  France,    by    her    Hero, 
Henry  the  Fourth:    His    nation   in  turn, 
were   fcizcd   with  the   rage  of  colonizing. 
Finding  the  Englini  claimed  the  Provinces 
on   the   Atlantic  i     they   appropriated  the 

fnow 


fnow 

funpt 

fcrtil 

pane; 

1  hof 

taker 

Pow( 

CertJ 

notic 

u'oul 

peop! 

woul 

years 

wars 

Swcf 

tinen 

Engl 

live 

quefl 

proc 

New 

capa 

this- 

Eur( 

terv« 

have 

fame 

fequ 

after 

land 


T  IL 

verations  of 
s  real  as  de- 
low  from  his 
vantages,  do 
government, 
cculiar    local 
of  Europe, 
nipotent  land 
ance.     After 
vcTCiQU  J   and 
idle  the  voice 
that  America 
icb,  and  pro- 
ropean  power 

ontinent  been 
bitants  would 

I  agree  with 
ment  of  thefe 
the   kingdom 

by  religious 
ftian  Cabot's 
ppily  afforded 
ipporttinify  of 

length,  peace 
>y  her  Hero, 
iiion  in  turn, 
of  colonizing. 

the  Provinces 

propriated   the 

fnow 


PLAIN    TRUTH.        aj 

fnow  banks  of  Canada,  which  we  dare  not 
funpofe,  they  would  huvc  preferred  to  thefe 
fertile  provinces,  had  not  the  prior  occu- 
pancy, and  power  cf  England  ii:tcrfcred. 
1  hope  it  will  not  be  dt^nied,  that  the  notice 
taken  of  us,  at  this  time  by  an  European 
Power,  was  ralher  iavourable  for  us.— 
Certain  it  is,  had  not  England  then  taken 
notice  of  us,  thefe  deleitabic  Provinces 
would  now  appertain  to  Erance  j  and  the 
people  of  New  England,  horrid  to  think, 
would  now  be  counting  th"ir  beads.  Some 
years  after  the  /Era  in  queflion,  th^  civil 
wars  intervening  in  England,  aTordcd  to  the 
Swedes  and  Dutch,  a  footing  on  this  Con- 
tinent. Charles  the  Second  being  rclloredj 
England  reviving  her  claim,  rendered  abor- 
tive the  Swedifli  pretenfions  ;  and  by  con- 
queft,  and  granting  Surinam  to  the  Dutch, 
procured  thecefilon  of  their  ufurpation,  now 
New  York.  I  do  indeed  confefs,  my  in- 
capacity to  difcern  the  injury  fultained  by 
this  fecond  ♦'  notice  taken  of  us,  by  an 
European  Power  i"  in  default  of  which  in- 
tervention, the  Swedes,  to  this  hour,  would 
have  retained  their  f«ttlcment,  now  the 
famed  Pennfylvania  j  and  the  Dutch,  con- 
fequently,  had  retained  theirs.  Some  time 
after  this  period,  the  people  of  New  Eng- 
land were  employed,  in  framing  and  exe- 
cuting 


1^2       P  L  A  I  N     T  R  U  T  If. 

cutlng  laws,  To  intolerant  and  fanguliury, 
that  t)  us,  they  fcem  adapted  lor  devils, 
not  men. 

Indeed  it  is  worthy  of  note,  that  the  in- 
habitants of  Jamaicii,  Barbadoes,  and  Vir- 
pinia,  at  that  very  time,  cnadted  laws, 
breathing  the  fpirit  of  humanity,  and  (uch 
as  men  could  bear.  Soon  after  the  period 
in  queftion,  arrived  the  great  and  good 
William  Penn,  with  his  philofophic 
people  ca.lcd  Quakers  j  together  with  to- 
leration, induftry,  and  permanent  credit. 
The  people  of  England,  encouraged  by  the 
cxtcnfion  of  their  laws  and  commerce  to 
thofe  colonics,  powerfully  afliaed  our 
merchants  and  planters,  infomuch,  that 
our  fctdementa  cncreafed  rapidly,  and 
throve  ap  ce.  It  may  be  affirmed,  that 
from  this  period,  until  the  prelent  unhap- 
py hour ;  no  part  of  human  kind,  ever 
experienced  more  pcrfeft  felicity.  Vol- 
taire indeed  fays,  that  if  ever  the  Golden 
A7C  cxifted,  it  was  in  Pennfylvania. 
Prince  dilgufted  with  the  unhappy  filuation 
of  her  American  Colonies,  had  Icng  me- 
ditated the  conqueft  of  one  of  our  middle 
provinces.  To  accompUai  this  purpole. 
The  extended  a  line  of  forts  on  our  fron- 
tiers and  aaually  fortified  the  place  now 
called  Pitllburgh.     Juftly  alarmed  by  thefc 

encroachments 


cncrc 

we  c 

liaan 

The 

haud 

clarci 

torre: 

drcd 

and 

glori( 

burcl 

NOTI 

Eiigli 

mics 

tion  I 

tuall) 

Britai 

their 

provii 

(acco 

work 

the   < 

richci 

and  V 

is  the 

1 
as  it  ' 
mand 
diara 
Euroi 


T  H. 

d   fangulnjry, 
d  lor   dcvili, 

,  that  the  In- 
7es,  and  Vir- 
snadled  laws, 
;ty,  and  (uch 
ter  the  period 
:at   and  good 
s   phJlufophic 
ther   with  to- 
lancnt  credit, 
iiraged  by  the 
commerce  to 
aflifted    our 
oinuch,    that 
rapidly,      and 
iHirmedy   that 
rcfent  unhap- 
n  kind,    ever 
licity.      Vol- 
er  the  Golden 
Pennfylvania. 
appy  filuation 
ad  long   me- 
jf  our  middle 
this   purpofe, 
on  our  fron- 
he  place  now 
rmed  by  thefc 
sncioachments 


PLAIN    TRUTH. 


23 


encroachments  in  the  hour  of  our  diftrefs, 
we  called  aloud  on  Great  Britain  for  ai- 
fiftance,  nor  was  (he  deaf  to  our  cries. 
The  English  miniftry,  after  in  vain  ex- 
haufhng  all  the  arts  of  ncgociation,  de- 
clared war  againft  France.  After  fpilling 
torrents  of  blood,  after  expending  one  hun- 
dred and  ninety  millions  of  their  dollars, 
and  four  or  five  millions  of  oursj  ihcy 
glorioufly  reduced  the  French  fettlcmcnts. 
burcly  it  will  not  be  faid,  that  this  laft 
NOTICE  taken  of  us  by  the  people  of 
England,  was  injurious  to  us.  Our  ene- 
mies indeed  allcdge,  that  this  laft  interven- 
tion by  bloating  us  with  pride,  will  even- 
tually ruin  us,  and  render  the  people  of 
Britain  objects  of  derifion,  for  lavifhing 
their  blood  and  trcafure,  in  defence  of 
provinces  ;  "  a  match  not  only  for  Europe, 
(according  to  our  author,)  but  for  the 
world." — Our  author  next  remarks,  •*  that 
the  commerce  by  which  flie  hath  en- 
riched herfelf,  arc  the  nccefljries  of  life, 
and  will  always  have  a  market  while  eating 
is  the  curtom  of  Europe." 

I  reply,  that  our  exporting  grain,  is 
as  it  were  of  yefterday,  that  the  recent  de- 
mand was  principally  occafioned  by  the 
dirtradions  in  Poland,  and  other  parts  of 
Europe,  and  probably  will  totally  or  partly 

fail. 


'7  I 


Mi 

r  r, .?. 

■ill 
■  i    ' 


'i  lit 


H 


PLAIN    TRUTH. 


fail,  foon  <i$  the  fertile  country  of  Polaiit!, 
and  more  fertile  Ukraine  rtiall  again  become 
cultivated.  1  believe  the  liuropcans  did  cat 
before  our  merchants  exported  our  grain, 
and  perhaps  v/ill  cat,  when  they  ccalc  to 
export  it.      I    deny,  that  this   /aoincntary 


commerce  hath  enriched   U! 


^  '  could 


adduce  numberlcfa  mel;  iiwi.oly  proott^  of  the 
c(;ntrnry.      I    rtiall   '  .dy   louj.  k,    that   in 
the  moll  fertile  and  nr'^dahlc  wheat  coun- 
try in  Amcric:!,  bounJcd  by  Chcfopeak-bsy, 
and   almoft    adjoining   thst   of  Delaware; 
a  trad  of  the  bell  wheat  land  ten  years 
ago,     would      hardly     iuve     exceeded    a 
guinea    and    a    ha!f   per    acre,    indeed,    in 
J  773,    fuch     land     covered    with    wood, 
would  fcarccly  have   fold  for  fi  t  guineas 
an  acre,  -an    undoubted   proof  of  want   of 
People,  indiiltry,  and  wealth  j  particular- 
ly  fo,    if  we   confider    that    one    crop  of 
corn  and  wheat  on  fuch   land  judicioufly 
cultivated,  would  adlually  repay  the  fup- 
polcd   price.      Our    author    alfcrts,    "  that 
our  prefcnt  numbers  are   fufKcient  to  repel 
the  force  of  all  the  world.     That  the  Con- 
tinent hath  at   this  time  the  largeft  difci- 
plined    army    of     any      power      unde" 
K',  IV1.V,     That  the   Englilh  navy  is  on;v 
wet.!'  'h;ff  milli(  • '    and  a  half  itcrling,' 
"...1,  'i  ii.  tlfcdt,  would  reduce   it  to  thirty- 

fivs 


five 
fort) 
of  t 
only 
wou 
Lrita 
caufi 
fueh 
Crita 
an  s 
1 
our  1 
is  i^ 
Brita 
ficd 
fumf 
on  fe 
himi 
my  1 
the  I 
color 
defer 
hone 
cious 
k(]ov 
to  01 
dang 
clufr 
one  ] 
hund 


Uil 


T  H. 

y  of  Polatii', 
again  become 
upcans  did  cat 
;il  our  grail), 
they  ccalc  to 
il   Momentary 

;    ^     i    '   rould 

'^  proolr  of  the 
irk,    that   in 
J  wheat  coun- 
hcfopcak-bsy, 
of  Delaware ; 
ind  ten  years 
exceeded    a 
z,    indeed,    in 
with    wood, 
)r  fi  T  guineas 
)f  of  want    of 
h  i  particular- 
one    crop  of 
nd  judicioufly 
repay  the  fup- 
alfcrts,    •*  that 
Kcient  to  repel 
rhat  the  Con- 
i  large  ft  difci- 

WER        UNDi; 

[h  navy  is  oniv 

half  iterling,' 

tc   it  to  thirty 

ftv; 


PLAIN    TRUTH. 


25 


five  lliips  of  the  hof,  twenty  rtiips  of 
forty  guns,  twenty  of  thirty-  fix,  and  eight 
of  twenty  guns.  ••  That  if  AmerfLM  had 
only  a  twcnticdi  pari  of  this  force,  (he 
would  be  by  far  an  over-match  for 
Lritain,  that  Independence  is  neccflliry,  be- 
taufc  France  and  Spain  cannot  aflift  u«,  until 
fuch  an  event ;"  he  alfo  afHrnis  ••  that  Great 
Britain  cannot  govern  u?,  and  that  no  good 
an  arife  from  a  reconciliation  with  her." 

I  fliall  humbly  endeavour  to  ihew,  that 
our  author  fliamefully  mifrcprelcntb  fadls, 
is  ignorant  of  the  true  ftate  of  Oreat 
Britain  and  her  Colonies,  utterly  unc  jali- 
ficd  for  the  arduous  taflc,  he  ha*  kc- 
fumptuoufly  affumedj  and  ardently  incnt 
on  feducing  us  to  that  precipice  on  which 
himfclf  (lands  trembling.  To  elucidate 
my  ftridtures,  I  inuft  with  fidelity  cxpufc 
the  circumftanccs  of  Great  Britain  and  her 
colonies.  If  therefore,  in  the  energy  of 
defcription,  I  unfold  certain  bold  and 
honcft  truths  with  fimplicity,  the  judi- 
cious reader  will  remember,  that  true 
knowledge  of  our  (Ituation,  is  as  efTential 
to  our  fafcty,  as  ignorance  thereof  may  en- 
danger it.  In  the  Engli(h  provinces,  ex- 
clufivc  of  negroc  and  other  flaves,  we  have 
one  hundred  and  (ixty  thoufandj  or  one 
hundred  and  fevcnly  ihoufand  men  capable 

of 
D 


IP 


■  H 


26        PLAIN    TRUTH. 

of  bearing  arms.     If  we  dedud  the  people 
called  Quakers,  Anabaptifts,  and  other  rc- 
ligionlfts  averfe  to  arms  j  a  confiderable  part 
of  the  emigrants,  and  thofe  having  a  grateful 
prediledlion  for  the  ancient  conftitution  and 
parent  ftate,  we  (hall  certainly  reduce  the 
firft  number  to  fixty  or  feventy  thoufand 
men.      Now  admitting  thofe  equal  to  the 
Roman  legions,  can  we  fuppofe  them  ca- 
pable of  defending  againft  the  power  of 
Britain,  a  country  nearly   twelve  hundred 
miles  extending   on   the  ocean.     Suppofe 
our  troops  affembled  in  New  England,  if 
the  Britons  fee  not  fit  to  aiTail  them,  they 
hafte  to  and  defolate  our  other  provinces, 
which  eventually  would  reduce  New  Eng- 
land.    If  by  dividing  our  forces,  we  pre- 
tend to  defend  our  provinces,  we  alfo  are 
infallibly  undone.     Our  moft  fertile  pro- 
vinces, filled   with   unnumbered  domeftic 
enemies,    llaves,   interfeded    by   navigable 
rivers,    every    where     accefTiblc     to     the 
fleets  and   armies  of  Britain,  can  make  no 
defence.     If  without  the  medium  of  paf- 
iion  and  prejudice,  we  view  our  other  pro- 
vinces, half  armed,  deftitute  of  money  and 
a  navy  :    V/e  muft  confefs,  that  no  power 
ever  engaged  fuch  potent  antagonists, 
under  fuch  peculiar  circumftanccs  of  infe- 
licity.    In   the   better  days  of  Rome,  fhe 

permitted 


pern 

xMen 

into 

been 

theC 

gur'( 

glor; 

2nd 

fubfl 

m. 

befo 
men 

BRE 

fianc 
coun 
ther 
marl 
thel 
der  t 
fifflii 
rem: 
fo  ii 
aufp 
no  ( 
as  f 
tion 
am, 
cour 
man 
not 


J  T  H. 

61  the  people 
and  other  rc- 
fiderable  part 
/inga  grateful 
nftitution  and 
ly  reduce  the 
;nty  thoufand 
equal  to  the 
)ofe  them  ca- 
the  power  of 
^elve  hundred 
;an.     Suppofe 
ir  England,  if 
,il  them,  they 
her  provinces, 
ice  New  Eng- 
irces,  we  pre- 
:s,  we  aifo  are 
ft  fertile  pro- 
)ered  domeftic 

by  navigable 
flible  to  the 
»  can  make  no 
ledium  of  paf- 
our  other  pro- 
!  of  money  and 

that  no  power 

ANTAGONISTS, 

lances  of  infe- 

of  Rome,  fhe 

permitted 


PLAIN     TRUTH. 


27 


permitted  no  regular  troops  to  defend  her. 
Men  deftitute  of  property  flie  admitted  not 
into  her  militia,  (her  only  army.)  I  have 
been  extremely  concerned  at  the  feparation  of 
the  Connedicut  men  from  our  army.  It  au- 
gur'd  not  an  ardent  enthufiafm  for  liberty  and 
glory.  We  ftill  have  an  army  before  Bofton, 
and  I  (hould  be  extrcmsly  happy  to  hear 
fubftantial  proofs  of  their  glory.  I  am 
dill  hopeful  of  great  things  from  our  army 
before  Bofton,  when  joined  by  the  regi- 
ments now  forming,  which  want  of 
BREAD  will  probably  foon  fill.  Notwlth- 
ftanding  the  prediledlion  I  have  for  my 
countrymen,  I  remark  with  grief,  that  hi- 
therto our  troops  have  difplaycd  but  few 
marks  of  Spartan  or  Roman  enthufiafm.  In 
the  fincerity  of  my  heart,  I  adjure  the  rea- 
der to  believe,  that  no  perfon  is  more  fenfibly 
sfflidted  by  hearing  the  enemies  of  America 
remark,  that  no  General  ever  fell  fingly  and 
fo  inglorioufly  unrevenged  before  the  in- 
aufpicioui  affair  of  Qjsbec.  I  am  under 
no  doubt,  however,  that  we  Hiall  become 
as  famed  for  martial  courage,  as  any  na- 
tion ever  the  fun  beheld.  Sanguine  as  I 
am,  refpeding  the  virtue  and  courage  of  my 
countrymen,  depending  on  the  hiftory  of 
mankind,  fines  the  Chriftian  ^-Era,  1  can- 
not however  imagine,  that  zeal  for  liberty 

will 


ii'« 


i'i 


25 


PLAIN      TRUTH. 


will   animate   to   fuch   glorious  cfForts   of 
heroifm,  as  religious  enthufiafm  hath  often 
impelled  its   votaries   to   perform.     If  the 
cruel   unrelenting    tyrant,    Philip    the    fe- 
cond  of  Spain,  had  never  attempted  to  in- 
troduce into  the  Low  Countries,  the  infer- 
nal tribunal  of  the  Inquifition  :    It  is  mod 
probable,  that   the  prefent  States  of  Hol- 
land,   would  to  this  time  have  remained 
provinces    to    Spain,    and    patiently    paid 
the  fiftieth    penny,    and    other    grievous 
exadlions.     Certain    it  is,    that  the   fana- 
ticks  of  Scotland,  and  people  of  England, 
had  never  armed  againft  the  firft  Charles, 
if    religious    enthufiafm    had     not     more 
powerfully     agitated     their     minds,    than 
zeal  for  liberty,  the  operations  of  which, 
on  the  human  mind,  hath  (ince  the  JEn  in 
queftion,    ever    been    more    languid,  than 
the  former  mofl:  powerful  paflion.     Thefe 
Inrdy  aiTertions,  are  fuppcrtcd  as  well  by 
notorious  fads,  as   by  the  learned  Hume, 
and   other  judicious  hiftorians.     I    cannot 
here  omit  remarking  the  inconfiftency  of 
human    nature.      The    Scotch,    the  mod: 
furious  enthufiafts  then   in  Europe,  were 
Ikughtcred    like  flieep,    by  Cromwell    at 
Dunbar,    where    their    formidable     army 
hardly  made  any  refiftance,  if  we  except 
that  made  by  a  handful  cf  ioyalifts,  defti- 

tute 


U  T  H. 

us  cfForts  of 
"m  hath  often 
ortn.  If  the 
lilip  the  fc" 
;inpted  to  in- 
es,  the  infer- 
n  :  It  is  mod 
tales  of  Hol- 
ave  remained 
atiently  paid 
tier  grievous 
lat  the  fana- 
:  of  England, 

firft  Charles, 
1  not  more 
minds,  than 
ins  of  which, 
ce  the  JEra  in 
languid,  than 
flion.  Thefe 
:d  RS  well  by 
arned  Hume, 
IS.  I  cannot 
confiftency  of 
:h,  the  mod 
Europe,  were 

Cromwell  at 
lidable    army 

if  we  except 

oyalifts,  defti- 

tute 


PLAIN      TRUTH. 


29 


tute  of  that  paffion.  Certain  it  i5,  that 
thofc  cnthufuftp,  were  often  cut  in  piecei: 
by  their  countryman,  the  gallant  Marquis 
of  Mcjntrofe,  whofe  troops  (Highlanders 
and  other  loyaliils,)  held  PrcfD^'tcrianifm 
ill  contempt. 

With  the  utmoPt  deference  to  the  honor- 
sble  Congrcfs,  I  do  not  view  the  m.ofl: 
ditlant  gleam  of  aid  from  foreign  powers. 
The  princes  alone,  capable  of  fuccouring 
11?,  are  the  Sovereigns  of  France  and  Spain. 
If  according  to  our  Author,  we  pofief?  an 
eighth  part  of  the  habitdble  glebe,  and  ac- 
tually have  a  check  on  the  Wefl  Indi* 
commerce  of  England;  the  French  indigo 
and  other  valuable  Weft  India  commodities, 
and  the  Spaniih  galeons,  are  in  great  jeopardy 
from  our  power.  The  French  and  Spaniards 
are  therefore  wretched  politician?,  if  they 
do  not  aflill  England,  in  reducing  her  co- 
Ionics   to  obedience. rleafantry  apsrt  1 

Can  we  bs  fo  deluded,  to  ex-ped  aid  from 
thofe  princes,  which  infpiring  their  fubjeeis 
with  a  relifh  for  liberty,  might  cvcnturdly 
fliake  their  arbitrary  thrones. — Natural  a- 
vowed  enemies  tocur  facred  caufe:  Will  they 
cherifh,  will  they  fupport  the  flame  of  liberty 
in  America?  Ardently  intent  on  extinguiHi- 
ing  its  latent  dying  fparks  in  their  refpeftivs 
dominions.      Can    we    believe    that   tho[e 

princes 


•11 


3' 


1 


30        PLAIN      TRUTH. 

princes  will  oftcr  an  example  fo  dangerous 
to  their    fubjcas  and  colonics,  by   aiding 
ihofe  provinces  to  independence  ?  If  inde- 
pendent, aggrandized  by  infinite  nurnbeia 
from  every  part  of  Europe,  this  Continent 
would  rapidly  attain  power  aftonifhing  to 
imagination.     Soon,  very  loon  would   wc 
be  conditioned  to  conquer  Mexico,  and  all 
their  Weft  India  fetUements,  which  to  an- 
noy,  or  poflefs,  we  indeed  are  moft  happily 
liuuitcd.   Simple  and  obvious  as  thefe  truths 
are,  can  they   be  unknown  to  the  people 
and    princes   of  Europe  ?    Be    it   however 
admitted,  th.U  thofe  princes  unmindful  of 
the   iital   policy  of   Richlieu's    arming 
Charles's  fuhjcds  againft  hiti),  and  the  more 
fatal    policy  of    Lewis    the  fourteenth 
permitting  our  glorious  deliverer  to  effedt 
the  rcvulution.     I  fay,  be  it  admitted,  that 
thofe   princes  regardlefs    of  future   confc- 
quences,  and  the  ineptitude  of  the   times, 
arc  really  diipofed  to  fuccour  us.     Say,  ye 
friends  of  liberty  and  mankind,  would  no 
danger  accrue  from   an    army   of.Frenc'^ 
and  Spaniards  in  the  bofom  of  America  ? 
Would  ye  not  dread  their  junaion  with 
the  Canadians  and  Savages,  and  with  the 
numerous      Roman     catholics,      difperfed 
throughout  the  Colonies? 

Let 


ner 
rcgj 
wit 
litic 
her 
"I 
the 
Que 
loni 
heri 
nun 
Irel 
1 
Eur 
war 
nen 
did 
nav 
to  j 
urn 
to  3 
ind 
whi 
ing 
the 
enu 
tioi 
the 
and 


U  T  II. 

fo  dangerous 
:s,  by  aiding 
ice?  If  inde- 
inite  numbeia 
lis  Continent 
aftoniftiing  to 
m  would  wc 
;xico,  and  all 

which  to  an- 
e  moft  happily 
as  thefe  truths 

to  the  people 
3    it   however 

unmindful  of 
lEu's    arming 

and  the  more 
he  fourteenth 
verer  to  effedt 
admitted,  that 

future  confc- 
of  the  times, 
r  us.  Say,  ye 
ind,  would  no 
ny  of.Frenc'^ 
I  of  America? 
junction   with 

and  with  the 
ics,      difperfed 


Let 


PLAIN    TRUTH. 


3^ 


Let  us  new  briefly  view  the  pre-emi- 
nently envied  ftate  of  Great  Britain.  If  we 
regard  the  power  of  Britain,  unembarrefled 
with  Continental  connedions,  and  the  po- 
litical balance,  we  may  juftly  pronounce 
her  what  our  author  doe?,  America; — 
"  A  match  for  all  Europe."  Amazing  were 
the  efforts  of  England,  in  the  war  of 
Queen  Ann,  when  little  benefited  by  co- 
lony commerce,  and  e'er  (he  had  availed 
herfelf  of  the  courage,  good  fenfe,  and 
numbers  of  the  people  of  Scotland  and 
Ireland. 

That  England  then  prefcribcd  laws  to 
Europe,  will  be  long  remembered.  Laft 
war,  her  glory  was,  if  poflible,  more  emi- 
nently exalted ;  in  every  quarter  of  the  globe 
did  vidory  hover  round  her  armies  and 
navies,  and  her  fame  re-echoed  from  pole 
to  pole.  At  prefent  Great  Britain  is  the 
umpire  of  Europe.  It  is  not  exaggeration 
to  afiirm,  that  the  Ruffians  principally  are 
indebted  for  their  laurels,  to  'her  power, 
which  alone  retained  France  from  prevent- 
ing the  ruin  of  her  ancient  faithful  ally, 
the  Ottoman  Porte.  Superfluous  it  were  f 
enumerate  her  powerful  alliances,  or  men- 
tion her  immenfc  refou'-ces.  Her  raifing 
the  incredible  fums  of  eighteen,  nineteen, 
and  twenty-two  millions  fterling  for  the  fer- 

vicc 


32 


PLAIN     TRUTH. 


vice  of  the  years  1759-60,  and  61,  was  more 
aftonifliing  to  Europe,  than  the  victories  of 
her  fleets  and  armies.     The  annual  rents  of 
thekinpdom  of  England  only,  many  years 
aiTo,  amounted  to  thirty  three  millions  fter- 
1  ng.     Thirty  five  millions  bufhels  of  wheat 
art   annujUy  produced   in   that  kingdom; 
and    perhaps    as   many    bufliels   of    other 
grain :    Twelve  millions  of  fleeces  ef  wool 
arc   there    yearly    Ihorn.      In    fliort,     the 
Kingdom  is  a  perfed  Bee-hive,  in  numbers 
and   induftry  j  and  is  faid  to  contain  more 
induitry,  confcquently    more  wezlth,  than 
all  the  reft  of  Europe.     The  famed  Hume 
fays,  '•  I  (hould  as  foon  dread,  that  all  our 
rivers  and  fprings,  fhould  be  exhauftcd,  ad 
that  money  fliould   abandon  a   kingdom; 
where  there  arc  people  and  induftry."    The 
Britilh    navy,    at   the    clofe    of    laft    war, 
confiftcd  of  nearly  two  hundred  ihiips  of  the 
line,  one  hundred  large  frigates,  and  about 
one  hundred  fmaller  frigates,  or  other  armed 
vefTcls.     Since   the  peace,    I    believe,  the 
navy  has  been  raoft  vigilantly  prclerved  by 
Lord  Sandwich,  (faid  to  be  as  equal  to  that 
arduous  department,  as  any  man  in  Europe.) 
Since  the  war,  fcveral  capital  fliips  have  an- 
nually been  built  j  and  it  is  moft  certain,  that 
on  fix  months  notice.  Great  Britain  could 
equip  fleets,  fufficiently  formidable,  to  con- 
tend with  all  the  naval  force,  that  could, 


or 
qu 
dif 
no; 
mi 
Bri 
mi 
fan 
wh 
otli 
the 
1 
cou 
isf, 
lior 
wil 
wai 
flii; 


U  T  H. 


6i,  was  more 
le  vidorics  of 
nniial  rents  of 
,  many  years 

millions  fter- 
fhels  of  wheat 
lat  kingdom; 
els  of  other 
eeces  ef  wool 
n  fliort,  the 
s,  in  numbers 
contain  more 

wcjlth,  than 
famed  Hume 
I,  that  all  our 
cxhaufted,  ai 

a  kingdom; 
iduftrv."    The 

of  lafl:  war, 
id  rtiips  of  the 
ics,  and  about 
Dr  other  armed 
I  believe,  the 
y  prclerved  by 
s  equal  to  that 
an  in  Europe.) 
fliips  have  an- 
)ft  certain,  that 

Britain  could 

dable,  to  con- 

;c,  that  coulci, 

or 


or 
qu 
d!f 
no; 
mi 
Bri 
mi 
fan 
wji 
oth 
the 
1 
cou 
isf. 
iioi 
wil 
wai 
flii, 
eigl 
onl 
Brii 
for 
any 
woi 
wlu 
to  c 
thre 


.^ 

nore 
%  of 
IS  of 
(Tears 
ftcr- 
heat 

i)ther 
wool 
I  the 
I  ben 
inore 
I  than 

i(JM£ 

f  oar 

i,  as 
|om} 
(The 
I  war, 
|f  the 
^bout 
[-med 
L  the 
dby 
I  that 
jope.) 
b  an- 
f,  thac 
bould 
jcon- 
iould, 
©r 


I 


or 


I'LAIN      TRUTH. 


33 


or  would  ad  againft  her.  The  immenfc 
quantity  of  naval  and  other  ftores,  in  the 
different  arfenals,  with  the  royal  navy*  can- 
not at  this  time  be  wi>rth  ids  than  twenty 
millions  rterling.  The  ifland  of  Great 
Britain,  betwcin  fix  and  fcvcn  hundred 
miles  in  length,  and  upwards  of  two  thou- 
fand  miks  circumference  ;  and  being  every 
where  indented  with  harbours,  forms  (with 
other  caufes)  fuch  nurferics  of  fcamcn,  as 
the  world  cannot  produce. 

L-it  us  now  examine  our  author's  ac- 
count of  the  navy  of  Great-Britain.  **  It 
is  fays  he,  worth  r.o  more  than  three  mil- 
lions and  an  half  fterling."  This  in  cfFedt 
will  reduce  it  to  ten  fccond  rste  fliips  of 
war,  ten  third  rale,  fifteen  fourth  rate,  ten 
(hips  of  forty  guns,  ten  of  thirty  fix,  and 
eight  of  twenty.  '*  If  America  fays  he,  had 
only  a  twentieth  part  of  the  naval  force  of 
Britain^  fhe  would  be  by  far  an  over-match 
fjr  her,  becaufe  as  we  neither  have,  nor  claim 
any  foreign  dominion,  our  whole  force 
would  be  employed  on  our  own  coaftj 
where  we  fliould  in  the  long  run  have  two 
to  one  the  advantage  of  ihofe  who  had 
three  or  four  thoufand  miles  to  fail  over, 
£  before 

*  Seventeen   capital   fhips  were  built  from  1763   until 
1771. 


1 


1 


■is 


If! 


34 


PLAIN    TRUTH. 


before  they  could  attack  us  j  and  the  fame 
diftance  to  return,  ir»  order  to  refit  and  re- 
cruit. And  although  Britain  by  her  fleet, 
hath  a  check  over  our  trade  to  Europe,  we 
have  as  large  a  one  over  her  trade  to  the 
Weft  Indies,  which,  by  laying  in  the  neigh- 
bourhood  of  the  Continent,  Uts  entirely  at 

its  mercy." 

Were  it  lawful  to  joke  on  fo  ferious  an 
occafion,  I  would  remind  the  reader  of  our 
Author's  n>odcfty,  in  faying,  *'  that  wc 
claim  no  t^-reign  dominion  :"  Since  we 
have  the  moil  numerous,  and  beft  difciplin- 
ed  army  under  Heaven ;  and  a  navy  fufli- 
ciently  ftrong  to  combat  that  of  Great  Bri- 
tain. For  our  prelent  naval  armament  com- 
pofe  a  fleet  more  than  equal  to  a  twentieth 
part  of  the  Britifh  navy,  (according  to 
our  author's  eftimation.)  Notwiihftand- 
jng  our  author's  delicacy,  relying  on  the 
well  known  utility  of  melafles,  to  the 
New  England  governments :  1  hope  they 
will  order  Admiral  Manly  to  feife  Jamaica, 
and  the  other  Weft  India  Iflands.  The 
Admiral  cannot  be  at  a  lofs  for  men  j  fincc, 
according  to  our  author,  **  a  few  focial 
failors,  will  foon  inftrudt  a  fufficient  num- 
Icr  of  adlve  landmen,  in  the  common 
work  of  a  ftiip.  I  do  indeed  confefs,  that 
the    Kritifti    lliips  of  war,    arc   conftantly 

equipt 


eqni 

and 

don' 

Aifli 

Th( 

has 

will 

coul 

her 

thar 

her 

vcni 

\ 
pofl 
mai 
plin 
nav 
tain 
mal 
pofl 
nin 
Afi 
Wl 
on 
the 

I 
III 

COD 

am 
anc 


■■WV. 


J  T  H. 

and  the  fame 
:o  refit  and  rc- 
n  by  her  fleet, 

0  Europe,  we 
;r  trade  to  the 
y  in  the  neigh- 
lics  entirely  at 

1  (o  ferious  an 
;  reader  of  our 
)g,  *'  that   wc 

:"  Since  we 
»  bed  difciplin- 
i  a  navy  fufli- 
t  of  Great  Bri- 
tmament  com- 
tu  a  twentieth 

(according  to 
Notwiihftand- 
elying  on  the 
ilafles,  to  the 
;  1  hope  they 
I  feife  Jamaica, 
Iflands.  The 
or  men  ;  fince, 
'  a  few  focial 
jfficient  num« 

the  common 

I  confefs,  that 

are   conftantly 

equipt 


PLAIN    TRUTH. 


35 


cqiiipt  altogether  with  very  focial  failors ; 
and  as  conftantly  drub  the  French  Hiips, 
double  mann'd,  with  adlive  landmen,  thV 
fiiffiticntly  intruded  by  a  few  focial  railori. 
The  reader  will  perceive,  that  our  author, 
has  humbled  the  naval  power  of  Britain, 
with  more  facility  than  France  and  Spain 
could  have  done  :  And,  has  alfo  exp.llcd 
her  from  our  ports  with  happier  fuccelf„ 
than  did  Spain;  who  was  compelled  to  yield 
her  Gibraltar  and  Portmahon,  for  the  con- 
veniency  cf  her  fleets  and  commerce. 

Wc  murt  indeed  allow,  that  Spain,  tha' 
pofl"iflcd  of  Mexico  and  Peru,  cannot 
maintain  tbe  moft  numerous  and  beftdilci- 
plincd  army  under  Heaven,  nor  eq.Jp  a 
navy  fit  to  contend  with  the  fleets  of  Bri- 
tain. It  muft  alfo  be  confcflTed,  that  he 
makes  Great  Britain,  very  favourably  dif- 
pofe  of  her  humbled  navy,  by  employing 
nineteen  parts  of  it  in  the  Mediterranean, 
Afia,  Africa,  ur.d  1  know  net  where : 
When  he  knowo  we  have  fo  great  a  check 
on  her  Weft  India  trade,  a  commerce,  of 
the  laft  importance  to  her. 

I  would  blufh  for  poor  human  nature,  did 
I  imagine  that  any  man,  other  than  a  bigot 
could  believe  thefe  ridiculous  ftories,  thefc 
arrant  gafconades,  refpe<!^ing  our  numerous 
and  beft  difcipiincd  army  under  Heaven, 

about 


;•  f 


-w 


36         P  L  A  I  N    T  R    U  T  H. 

abnut  our   navy,  and   a  few   focial   Tailors, 
and  th.it  France  and  Spain   will   not    alTill: 
lus,  (who  by-thc-byc,  according  to  our  au- 
thor, are   able    to   conquer    tlicin,)     until 
playing  upon   woids,  wc  declare  ourfclvcs 
INDEPENDENT.     Can    ft   rcafonablc   being 
lor  a  moment   believe  that  Great  Briia:n, 
whofe   politiLal   cxilltncc   depends   on  our 
conftitutional  obedience,  who  but  ycfterday 
made  fuch   prodigious   efFuils   to    lave   tit 
from    France,    wdl    not    exert    hctlcif  as 
powerfully  to  prefcrve  us  ficm  our  frantic 
fchemei  of  independency.     Can  wc   a  mo- 
ment doubt,  that  the   Sovereign  of  Great 
Britain  and   his  minifteis,  whofe  glory  as 
well  as  pcrfonal  (aicty  dij.ends  on  our  obe- 
dience, will  not  exert   every    nerve  of  the 
Britifti    power,    to  fuvc   thcnifclvcs   and  us 
from  ruin. 

••  Much  fays  our  author  has  been  faid  of 
the  flrergth  of  britain  and  the  Colonies, 
that  in  conju6tion  they  might  bid  defiance 
to  the  world  ;  but  this,  is  mere  pitfumplion, 
the  fate  uf  wa*  ib  uncertain." 

Excellent  rcafonjng,  and  truly  confiflent 
with  cur  author.  We  of  ourlclves  are  a 
match  ioi  Europe,  nay  for  the  woild;  bit 
in  ju:idt;tn  with  the  mofl  formidable 
power  cntarthj  why  then,  the  matter  is 
mere  preluiiiption.  The  fate  of  war  is  un- 
certain. 


I 

tcrli 

(ler, 

of  g 

man 

that 

rant; 

ous 

pritT 

hon< 

whc 

cur 

autli 


I 

fine 

ever 

did, 

lane 

inft: 

prai 

feOi 

the 

v/oi 

our 

fett 

ecu 

feci 

all 

Eui 

trac 


i 


TH. 

fecial  failors, 
ill  not  aiTill 
ig  to  our  au- 
iK-iii,)  until 
I  arc  ourfclvcs 
onable  being 
5rcat  Briiaiu, 
pcnds   on  our 

but  ycflcrday 
s  to  lave  til 
:rt  hetfcif  as 
iin  our  frantic 
!an  wc  a  nio- 
:ign  of  Great 
/hofe  glory  as 
s  on  our  obc- 

nerve  of  the 
ifclves  and  us 

IS  been  faid  of 

the  Colonics, 

,t  bid  dtfiance 

t-  picfumption, 

ruly  confiflent 
urlclves  are  a 
he  woild  }  bit 
)(i  formidable 
the  nnattcr  is 
e  of  war  is  un- 
certain. 


P  L  A  I  N     T  R  U  T  IT.  37 

certain.  It  is  indeed  humiliating  to  confi- 
(Icr,  that  this  author  fliould  vamp  up  a  form 
of  government,  for  a  confidcrahle  pa^t  of 
mankind;  an<l  in  cnCc  of  its  fuccccding, 
that  he  probably  would  be  one  of  our  ty- 
rants, until  wc  prayed  fome  more  ilUiHri- 
0U8  tyrant  of  the  army,  to  fpurn  him  to  his 
primeval  obfburity  j  from  all  his  ill-got 
honours  flung,  turned  fo  th.it  dirt  from 
wh;nce  he  Iprung.  "  A  government  of 
cur  own,  is  our  natural  right,"  fays  our 
author. 

"  Hid  right  decided,  and  not  f^te  ihe  cauPe, 
"  Rome  had  prcfcrv'd  her  Cato  and  htr  laws." 

Unfortunately  for  mankind,  thcifc  are 
fine  fcur.ding  words,  which  Icldum  or 
cvpr  influence  human  affairs.  Jf  ihcy 
did,  inflead  of  aja|)ropriating  tlie  vacant 
lands  to  fchemcs  of  ambition,  we  mufl 
inflantly  depuiiie  envoys  to  tlie  Indians, 
praying  them  to  re-enter  their  former  pof- 
fcfljons,  and  permit  us  qui;:tly  to  depart  to 
the  country  of  our  anccltorf,  where  we 
v/ouid  be  welcome  g\i:{\r.  But  continues 
our  author,  ««  What  have  wc  to  do  with 
felting  the  world  at  delkncc?  our  plan  is 
commerce,  and  that  well  attended  to,  will 
fecurc  us  the  peace  and  fiiendlhip  of 
all  Huropej  bccaule  it  is  the  intereft  of  all 
Europe  to  have  Atnerica  a  free-port,  hsr 
trade  will  always   be  her  prctcdticn,   and 

her 


f 


^ 


3« 


PLAIN    TRUTH. 


her  barreninefs  of  gold  and  filvcr,  will  fc- 
cure  her  from  invaders." 

I  am  pcirfcaly  faiisficd,  that  wc  arc  in  no 
condition  to  fet  the  world  at  defiance,  that 
commerce  and  the  proteaion  of  Great  Bri- 
tain will  fccurc  us  peace,  and  the  friendfhip 
of  all  Europe;  but  I  deny  that  it  is  the  intereft 
of  all  Europe  to  have  America  a  fiee-port, 
unlcfs   they  are   defirous  of ,  depopulating 
their  dominion?.      His  aflertionf,  that  bar- 
rennefs  of  gold  and  filver  will  fccurc  us  from 
invaders,  is  indeed  highly  plcafant.  Havcwc 
not  a  much  better  fecurity  from  invafions, 
viz.  the  moft  numerous  and  bcft  dilciplmcd 
army  under  heaven  ;  or  has  our  author  al- 
uady  difbandcd  it.     Pray  how  much  gold 
and  filver  do  the  mines  of  Flanders  pro- 
duce  ?  and  what  couimy  fo  often  has  feen 
its  unhappy   fields  drenched   with   bl^d, 
and    fcrlililed    with    human    gore.      The 
princes  of  Europe  have  long  dreaded  the 
migration  of  their  fubjeas  to  America;  and 
we  are  fenfible,  that  the  king  of  Pruflia  is  faid 
more  than  once  to  have  hanged  Newlanderi, 
or  thole  who  fcdnced  his  fubjeas  to  emi- 
grate. I  alio  humbly  apprehend,  that  Britain 
is  a  part  of  Europe.     Now,  old  gentleman, 
as  you  have  clearly  (hewn,  that  wc  have  a 
check   upon    her    Weft    India    trade,    is 
it  her  intereft  to  give  us  a  greater   check 

upon 


1 

upor 
prcfj 
lupp 
luab 
effc«i 
men 
fore 
Am( 
are 
milli 
pugi 
amp 
this 
any  > 
A 
fpetf 
rica. 
Italy 
in  c 
hen 
mov 
ened 
ftroy 
tod( 
retail 
the  ( 
end 
Like 
defe 
ricb 
wc 


rH. 

Ivcr,  will  fc- 

wc  are  in  no 
iefiance,  that 
)f  Great  Bri- 
be friend  fhip 
is  the  intereft 
:a  a  fiee-port, 
depopulating 
ms,  that  bar- 
ecure  us  from 
ant.  Havewc 
om  invafions, 
eft  di(ciplined 
)ur  author  al- 
w  much  gold 
Flanders  pro- 
often  has  fccn 
with   blood, 
gore.      The 
g  dreaded  the 
America}  and 
f  Pruflia  is  faid 
d  Newlanderi, 
ibje^s  to  emi- 
nd,  that  Britain 
old  gentleman, 
that  we  have  a 
idia    trade,    is 
greater   check 
upon 


PLAIN      TRUTH. 


39 


upon  it,  by  permitting  America  (as  you  ex- 
press it,)  to  become  a  free  port.  Can  wc 
iu()p  'fe  It  to  be  her  intereft  to  lofe  her  va- 
I'lab'e  tomaicrce  to  the  Colonics,  which 
cffcdually  ftj"  would  do,  by  giving  up  A- 
merica  to  become  your  free  port.  It  tliere- 
fore  it  i(  the  intereft  of  all  Europe,  to  have 
America  a  free  port :  The  people  of  Britain 
are  extremely  fimple  to  expend  fo  many 
millions  fterling  to  prevent  it.  "  it  is  re- 
pugnant to  the  nature  of  things,  to  all  ex- 
amples from  former  ages,  to  fuppofe  that 
this  Continent  can  long  remain  iubjsdt  to 
any  external  power." 

Antiquity  affords  us  no  eclarcifemenl  re- 
fpcdling  the  future  government  of  Ame- 
rica. Rome  fituated  in  a  fterile  corner  of 
Italy,  long,  long,  retained  the  then  world 
in  chains,  end  probably  had  maintained 
her  dominion  longer,  had  not  the  crofs,  re- 
moving the  empire  to  Byzmtium,  weak- 
tned  the  c^^kS;  and  in  turn,  juftly  been  de- 
ftroyed  by  the  Barbarians.  1  fee  no  reafon 
to  dou?'>t^  thai  iircat  Baitain,  may  not  long 
retain  us  in  conftitutional  ob'idience.  Time, 
the  deftroyer  of  human  aftairs,  may  indeed, 
end  her  political  life  by  a  gentle  decay. 
Like  F.omc,  (lie  may  be  conftrained  to 
defend  herlelf  from  the  Huns ,  and  Ala- 
ricks  of  »hc  North,  Ingratefully  fhould 
wc  endeavour   to  precipitate  her  political 

demife* 


,  > 


a 


It  N 


M 


■ 


40        PLAIN    TRUTH. 

demife.  His  win  dcvife  every  expedient  to 
retain  our  obedience  i  and  rather  than  fail, 
will  participate  thole  provinces  amongft  the 
potent  (btes  of  Europe.  -  The  authuray 
ff  Great  ^Britain  over  this  Continent.  »8  a 
fcrni  cf  g-vernment  which  iboncr  «.r  later 

mull  have  an  end."  ,,     i<      »u,, , 

This  I  have  granted,  and  I  ada,    tnat  a 
miliion  cf  revolutions  may  happen  pn  this 
Continent,  for  everyone  of  which,   lam 
not  indeed  fo  over  foiicitouf ,   as  our  Phcenix 
cf   Wh.ms.     the     Author    of  ^^"^^^^ 
Senfe      "  The  Cclonies   have  manjJeltcd 
luch  a  fp-.rit  cf  good  order  and  obedienc. 
to  continental  government,  as  is  futiiaent 
to  make  eve.y  perfoa  happy  on  taat  bead. 
What  is  this  union  fo  highly  vaunted  oft? 
whence  the  marching  and  counter  march- 
ing through  almoft  every  province   to  dif- 
arm  thofe  denominated  tones?-!  perfedly 
?2rec.    that  glorious  is  our  union.— 1  cxc- 
cfe  thofe  who  fay.  it  has  been  cernented 
by    every    f^ecies  cf  fraud  and  violence: 
Yet    notwiihftanding  I  dread  iis   frag.hty, 

were  an  army  of  Britons  in  ^^e  mtddx  ct 
our  country.     As  the  Author  of  Common 

Senie  is  now  in  the  grand  monde  J  ^n^  can- 
not be  acquainted  with  the  language  of  ma- 
ny people  in  the  provinces:  1  ^i".  ^°^'- 
n^unicate  the  general  purport  of  their  dif. 
couife-  •*  We.    fay   they,    do    n      fe 


T  H. 


xpcdicnt  to 
cr  than  fail, 
imongft  the 
le  authority 
itinenti  is  a 
3ncr  tr  later 

add,  that  a 
)pcii  en  this 
vhich,  I  am 

our  PhcEQix 
f  Common 
!  manifcftcd 
)d  obedienc:; 

is  futricient 
I  that  head." 

vaunted  off? 
inter  march- 
incc  to  dir« 
—I  pcrfedly 
lion. — 1  cxc- 
een  cemented 
nd  violence: 
iis  fragility  i 
lie   middle  cf 

of  Common 
Ic  i  and  can- 
guage  of  ma- 

1  will  com- 

of  their  dif- 

da    not  fee 
through 


( 
1 
t 
c 
c 
\ 

V 

t< 
tl 

h 


hi 


to 

IC 

a 
.er 


t  i 

v.s 

ti^ 
q:i 
:ai 

;!U 
-»  " 

ff? 

:h- 

lir- 

\\y 
<s- 
ted 
:e: 

tyi 
:cf 

lOil 

an- 
il a- 
lai- 
dif- 
fec 


PLAIN      TRUTH. 


411 


dirough  the  wiflorrt  of  the  prefent  times. 
Wc  rememhcr  with  unfeigned  gratiiudej 
the  many  benefits  derived  through  our  con- 
nexions with  Great  Britain,  by  whom  but 
yederday,  we  were  emancipated  from  fla- 
very  and  death  We  are  not  indeed  un- 
aware, that  Great  Britain  is  uniformly  re- 
proached wirh  defending  us  from  interefted 
motives.  In  like  manner,  however,  may 
every  ingratc,  reproach  his  benefadtor  j 
fmce  all  bcnefadlions  may  be  faid  to  flow 
from  no  purer  fountain.  With  predilcdlion, 
we  view  our  parent  ftate,  and  wifhfuily 
contemplate  on  our  late  felicity,  almoft 
realizing  that  ftate  of  old,  fo  beautifully 
feigned  by  the  poets.  We  venerate  the 
conftitution,  which  with  all  its  inperfcc- 
tions,  (too  often  exaggerated)  we  appre- 
hend almoft  approaches  as  near  to  perfec- 
tion, as  human  kind  can  bear.  Wc  ftiud- 
der  att^ic  ideaof  arming  with  more  virulence, 
more  unremitting  ardour,  a  ainft  the  pa- 
rent ftate,  than  againft  Fran.  ;  by  whom 
our  RIGHTS,  CIVIL,  as  wtll  as  religious, 
certainly  were  more  jmminenftly  endangered. 
With  horror  we  refled  on  the  former  civil 
wars,  when  every  crime,  odious  and  baneful 
to  human  nature,  were  alternately  psrpe-*- 
trated  by  the  loldiers,  particularly  by  the 
Independents.'' 

F  •*  Every 


it 

4 1- 


41 


PLAIN    TRUTH. 


' 


*«  Every  quiet  method  of  peace  has  been  in- 
cfff  >itual ;  our  prayershave  been  rejefted  with 
difdain."  I  do  not  indeed  agree  with  the  people 
of  England  in  faying,  that  thofc,  who  fo  luc- 
cefsfuily  laboured   to   widen  the  breach— 
defired  nothing  lefs  than  peace.     That  they 
who  fhortly  were  to  command  the  moft  nu- 
merous  and  beft   difciplined  army  under 
Heaven,  and  a  navy  iit  to  contend  with 
the  fleets  of  England,  imagining  the  time 
hadf§undus,  dildained  to  be  juft.   I  highly 
venerate  a  majority  of  fhe  Delegates.     I 
have   not  indeed  the  honour  of  knowing 
all  the  wouhy  members ;  however,  I  wi(h 
the  Gentlemen  of  the  Congrefs,  e'er  they 
entered   on  their   important  charge,    had 
been  beticr  acquainted   with  the  ftrength 
«f  our  friends  in   parliament.     1  fmcerely 
lament,  that  the  King  did  not  receive  the 
laft  excellent  petition  from  the  Congrefs  j 
»nd  I  as  fincerely  wi(h,  the  Gentlemen  of 
the  Congrefs  had  not  addreffed  themfelves 
at  that  junfture,  to  the  people  of  Ireland. 
**  As  to  government  matters,"  (continues 
cur  Author,)  ••  it  is  not  in  the  power  of 
Britain  to  do  this  Continent  juftice :  The 
bufincfs  of  it  will  foon  be  too  weighty  and 
intricate  to  be   managed  with  any  tolerable 
degree  of  convenience,  by  a  power  fo  V'  ry 
diltant  from  us,  and  fo  very  ignorant  of 

us  y 


us;  1 
cann( 
Penn 
fome 
canc( 
prov< 
thori 
Ui 
Britai 
perfe 
nanir 
prool 
our  i 
Ihar 
Omr 
reatb 
mer  1 
every 
deret 
Arm 
Free 
of  PI 
thty 
regie 
titici 
wrat 
Autl 
I,  as 
to  e> 
tiuel 


u^ 


H. 

has  been  in- 
ejedled  with 
h  the  people 
who  fo  fuc- 
le  breach- 
That  they 
;he  moft  nu- 
irmy  under 
)ntcnd  with 
ing  the  time 
ft.   I  highly 
iclegates.     I 
of  knowing 
;cvcr,  I  wilh 
fs,  e'er  they 
:harge,    bad 
the  ftrength 
1  fincerely 
t  receive  the 
e  Congrefsj 
rentlemen  of 
d  themfelves 
;  of  Ireland. 
"  (continues 
he  power  of 
luftice :  The 
weighty  and 
any  tolerable 
ower  fo  V  ry 
ignorant  of 
us  > 


PLAIN    TRUTH. 


43 


us;  for  if  they  cannot  conquer  us,  they 
cannot  govern  u?.  The  difference  between 
Pennfylvania,  and  Connedicut,  refpeding 
Come  unlocated  lands,  {hews  the  infignifi- 
cance  of  a  Briti(h  governnment,  and  fully 
proves,  that  nothing  but  Continental  au- 
thority can  regulate  Continental  matters." 

Until  the  prefcnt  unhappy  period,  Great 
Britain  haf  afforded  to  all  mankind,  the  moft 
perfedl  proof  of  her  wife,  lenient,  and  mag- 
nanimous government  of  the  Colonies — The 
proofs  to  which  we  already  have  alluded,  viz. 
our  fuprcme  felicity,  and  amazing  increafc. 
'I  han  the  affair  of  the  Connedicut  invaders ; 
Omnipotence  only  could  grant  us  rtronger 
realons  for  praying  a  continuan<:e  of  our  for- 
mer beneficent  government.  Moft  certainly, 
every  difpaffionatepcrfun,  as  well  as  the  plun- 
dered Pcnnfylvanians,  muft  confefs,  that  the 
Arm  of  Great  Britain  alone  detained  thofe 
Free- hooters  aforefaid,  from  feifing  the  city 
of  Philadelphia,  to  which  without  all  doubt, 
they  have  as  juft  a  claim,  as  to  thofe  fertile 
regions  in  Pennfylvania,  which  they  furrep- 
titicufly  have  poffefted  themfelves  of.  In 
wrath  to  mankind,  (hould  Heaven  permit  our 
Author's  new  fangled  government  to  exiftj 
1,  as  a  friend  to  Pcnnfylvanians,  advife  them 
to  explore  new  fcttlements,  and  avoid  the 
cruel  moriificdlion  of  being  expelled  by  the 

Sciifiis 


p 


44        PLAIN    TRUTH. 

Sainfs  from  their  delicious  abodes  and  pleaf- 
ing  fields. — '*  But  (fays   the    Author)  the 
mod  powerful    argument  is,  that  nothing 
but   independence,  (that    is   a   Coi'/inental 
form  of  government)  can  keep  the  peace  of 
the  Continent,  and  prefervc  it  inviolati  from 
civil  warf.     I  dread  the  event  oi  a  reconci- 
liation now  with  Britain,  as  it  is  more  than 
probable,    that   it  wdl   be  followed  by  re- 
volt fomcwherej  theconlequenccs  of  which 
may  be   far   more  fatal  than  all  the  malice 
of  Britain.      Thoufands  are  already  ruined 
by   Britifli  barbarity,  thoufands   more  will 
probably  ih  a  re  the  lame  fate.     Thefc  men 
have  other   feelings,  than  thofe  v^ho  have 
nothing  (uffcred  :    All   they  now  poffefs  is 
liberty,  what  they  before  enjoyed   is  facri- 
ficed   to   its   fervice,    and   having   nothing 
more  to  lofe,  they  difdain  all  fubmiffion." 
Here   we  cannot   miftake   our  author's 
meaning,  that  if  one  or  more  of  the  mid- 
dle  or   fouthern    Colonies  reconcile    with 
Great  Britain,  they   will   have   war  to  iuf- 
tain   with    New    England  j    **  the    conle- 
quences  of  which  may  be  more  detrimental, 
than  all   the  malice  of  Britain."     This  ter- 
rible  denunciation,    fortunately    for   fuch 
Colonies,  is  as  futile  as  its  author.    Should 
Great   Britain   re-eflablifh  her  authority  in 
the  faid   Colonies  by  negociation,  furely  it 

is 


IS  n< 

ofBi 

woul 

New 

the( 

avert 

have 

turb 

indee 

nnha 

fortu 

that 

efFec 

Such 

the  f 

enerr 

by  t 

tain. 

an  ai 

creat 

1  anr 

proa( 

Brila 

thou' 

excel 

^c* 

fince 

the  c 

hath 

diers 


H. 

es  and  pleaf^ 
\uthor)  the 
hat  nothing 
Coi'/inental 
the  peace  of 
violafi  from 
)f  a  reconci- 
is  more  tbaii 
owed  by  re- 
cce of  which 
11  the  malice 
ready  ruined 
Is   more  will 
Thefc  men 
ife  v^ho  have 
ow  poffefs  is 
yed   is  facri- 
ing  nothing 
ubmiflion." 
our  author's 
;  of  the  mid- 
:oncile    with 
I   war  to  iuf- 

•  the  conle- 
:  detrimental, 
"  This  tcr- 
ly  for  fuch 
hor.    Should 

•  authority  in 
on,  furely  it 

is 


P  L  \  I  N    TRUTH. 


45 


IS  not  temerity  to  add,  that  the  weight 
of  Britain,  in  the  fcale  of  thofe  provinces, 
would  preponderate  againft  the  power  ot 
New  England.  If  Britain  fliould  reduce 
the  Colonies  by  arms,  (which  may  Heaven 
avert !)  The  New  England  provinces  will 
have  as  little  inclination,  as  ability,  to  dif- 
turb  the  peace  of  their  neighbours.  I  do 
indeed  moll  iinccrely  companionate  thofe 
unhappy  men,  who  are  ruined  by  our  un- 
fortunate diftradions.  I  do  fervently  pray, 
that  Britain,  and  the  Colonies  may  moft 
effectually  confider  their  peculiar  infelicity. 
Such  attention  will  do  infinite  honour  to 
the  parent  ftate  j  who  cannot  view  them  as 
enemies,  but  as  men  unhappily  irritated 
by  the  impolitic  meafures  of  G.cat  Bri- 
tain. *'  The  diminution  of  trade  affjrds 
an  army,  and  the  neceffities  of  an  army, 
create  a  new  trade."  (So  fays  our  Author) 
I  am  furprifed  the  miniftry,  fo  often  re- 
proached with  ruining  the  commerce  of 
Britain,  never  urged,  (what  was  never 
thought  or  faid  before.)  Our  Author's 
excellent  axiom,  **  that  the  diminution, 
6cc.'  Certain  it  is,  the  minority  had  replied, 
lince  the  commencement  of  this  century; 
the  diminution  of  the  commerce  of  France 
hath  afforded  her  nearly  one  million  of  fol- 
diers  J  but  the  neceflities  of  this  prodigious 

number 


fi 


m- 


46 


PLAIN    TRUTH. 


i 


number  of   troops,  created   her   (o  bad 
cmmerce,    that    Oic    balh    twice    proved 
bankrupt  fince,  and  more  than  once  cxpe^ 
ricnced  the  miferies  of  famine. 

"  If  premiums  (fays  our  Author)  were  to 
be  giv^n  to  Mcrchan's  to  build  and  employ 
in  "their  lervicc,  fhip3  mounted  with  20, 
■70,  40,  or  50  Kuns,  the  premiums  to  be  in 
proportion  to  th«  lo(»  of  bulk  to  the  Mcr- 
chai.ts.     Fifty  or  fixty  of  thofe  Qiips,  with 
a  t^w  guard  Ihips  on  '.onftant  duty,  would 
keen  up  a  fufhcien'.  navy,  and  that  without 
burdening  ourfclves  with  the  evil  fo  loudly 
com olaincd  of  in  England,  of  fuffcring  thtir 
fleets  in  time  of  peace  to  lie  rotting  in  their 
decks."  Yield  the  palm  of  ingenuity  to  our 
Author,  ye  DeVVits,  Colberts,  Pclhams,  ind 
Pitts.     lie  has  outdone  yc  by  coHftruding 
a  bei-utltul  navy  j  alas !  on  paper  only.-—- 
Firft,  no  nation  in  Europe  depends  on  luch 
ihipsfor  her  defence:  Secondly,  fuch  (hips 
would  be  unfit  to  contend  with  capital  ftiips: 
Thirdly,  in  the  hour  of  danger,  thefe  (lupi 
on  thei'r  voyage,  or  return,  would  alternately 
be  taken  by  an  adtive  enemy  :    LaUly,  fix 
times  as   many   fuch   (hips  would  be  une- 
qually matched  with  that  part  of  the  naval 
power  of  B.itain,  which  Hie  adually  could 
fpurc  to  combat  on  our  coaiis    This  cannot 
be   thcuyht   exaggeration,  if  we  conficier 
°  tha: 


'i 


f  II. 

fr  (o  bad  a 
wice  proved 
ti  once  cxpc- 

• 

:hor)  were  to 
i  and  employ 
ted  with  20, 
liums  to  be  in 
:  to  the  Met- 
re Qiips,  with 
duty,  would 

that  without 
evil  fo  loudly 
fuffcring  thtir 
otting  in  their 
»cnuity  to  our 

Pelhams,  ind 
y  coHftruding 
per  only. — — 
pends  on  fuch 
ily,  fuch  (hips 
h  capital  fliips: 
er,  thefe  (liipi 
luld  aUernatcly 
f :  Laltly,  i^^ 
would  be  une- 
irt  of  the  naval 

adually  couKi 

5    This  cannot 

if  we   confider 

tha; 


PLAIN    TRUTH. 


47 


that  tlie  Hriti(h  navy,  laft  war,  carried 
about  fcventcen  thouland  guns ;  asid  up- 
wards of  ninety- five  thoufind  (ocial  fcamen. 
*'  No  country  (fays  our  author)  ii  lo  liap- 
pily  fituated,  or  internally  capable  of  railing 
a  fleet  as  America.  Tar,  timber,  iron  and 
cordage  are  her  natural  produce."  He 
fpeaks  of  forming  a  fle^t,  as  if  he  could  do 
it  by  his  Fiat.  A  third  rate  rtiip  of  the  line 
fitted  for  fca,  is  allowed  to  coll  feventy  four 
thoufand  pounds  ftcrling,  which  at  the 
prefent  exchange,  is  about  one  hundred  and 
twenty  nine  thoufand  pounds.  Now,  as 
labour,  fail  cloth,  cordage,  and  other  re- 
quilites,  are  dearer  than  in  Europe,  wc  may 
rcafonably  fuppofc  the  advanced  price,  at 
twenty-five  per  cent,  which  makes  the 
amount  one  hundred  and  fifty  four  thoufand 
pounds.  We  muft  next  iuppofe  our  navy 
equal  to  that  of  France,  which  confifts  of 
fixty  four  fhips  of  the  line  (fifty  gun  fhips 
inclufivc)  twenty-five  frigates,  with  fliips  of 
inferior  force.  In  cafe  of  independence, 
we  cannot  admit  a  fmaller  naval  force.  In-> 
deed,  when  joined  to  the  fleets  of  France 
and  Spain,  the  navies  fo  united,  and  navi- 
gated principally  with  landfmen,  inftru<5ted 
by  a  few  iocial  failors,  will  be  valily  infe- 
rior to  the  fquadrons  of  Britain.  The 
amount   therefore  of  fuch  our  navy,    will 

only 


■i '  I 


ii: 


,»< 


f 

Ii 


r, 


^S        PLAIN    T  R  1/  T  il. 

only  require  the  tririinq;  (wrx  of  twelve  mil  • 
lion,  fu  hundred  and  twenty  hve  thouand 
pounds  currency,  which  1  am  very  vy.lhn^; 
lo  believe  we  can  fparc.  being  Icarcely  onr 
loarth  the  value  of   our  properly,   real  and 
nerfonal.   With  excellent  management,  our 
navy  would  lart  eight,   nine,  or  ten  years  •, 
wc  therefore  would  fmd  it  extremely  cofivc 
ricnt  to  rebuild  it  conftantly  at  the  expira- 
tion of  that  term  :    Ot  this  there  cannot  be 
a  doubt,  when  we  remember  with  our  Au- 
thor,    "that    niip-building    18    Americas 
created    pride.     The  vaft  empire  of  Rul- 
L  is  almoft  C.at  out  from  the  fea,   where- 
fore her  boundlc(8   forretts.    her  tar,  iron. 
and  cordage,  are  only  articles  ot  commerce. 
I  reply,  that  Rullia  containing  ten  tirncs  our 
numbers,  is  dd\itute  of  induftry  and  com» 
tT^erce.     bhe  has  ports   ^ufficient   to  build 
and   contain  a  navy    to  fubdue  :he  world 
Dcftitute  as  we  have  remarked  of  induary 
and  commerce,  her   navy  is  inconfiderable 
and  being   equipt   with    landfmen.    cannot 
riaure  agfinft  lliips  navigated  by  focal  fa.lori. 
Who  can  doubt  the  ability  of  Spain  to  bu.ld 
a  navy  ?   The  cargo  of  two  or  three  of  he^ 
annual    galeons    were    fuffiocnt    to    bui  d 
a  navy   as  formidable  as  that  permitted  to 
Great  Britain  (by  the   author  of  Common 
bcnle.)     In  her  iQand  of  Cuba,  poffciicd  ot 


P. 


T  il. 

twelve  mil* 
ive  ihoijfand 
very  willing 
icirccly  one 
riy,    real  and 
igcment,  our 
ir  ten  years ; 
smely  cofivc* 
Lt  the  expira- 
;rc  cannot  be 
with  our  Au- 
is    America's 
ipire  of  Rul- 
;  fca,   where- 
her  tar,  iron, 
f  commerce." 
ten  times  our 
;iry  and  com- 
icnt   to  build 
le  :he  world, 
d  of  induftry 
nconfiderable, 
fnnen,    cannot 
y  focial  Tailors. 
Spain  to  build 
)r  three  of  hc^ 
cnt    to    build 
It  permitted  to 
ir  of  Commoi^ 
bd,  poffcflcd  of 
an 


i 

an  1 

lirii 

8 

Brit 

c 

to  a 

d 

lefs 

ir 

t 

by 

s 

(oci£ 

Ter 

l- 

'fn^f' 

K 

o  o 

iwei 

1- 

1 

-nen 

li 

V 

1- 

on  t 

e- 

had 

0) 

henc 

ur 

penc 

wor 

n- 

;ld 

thej 

c 

Id. 

Oi  w 

a  ic 

:ry 

le. 

pete 

:icra 

»ot 

C( 

Tfi. 

ild 

crov 

nnd 

ler 

lid 

\:::o 

the 

,  to 

a  lid 

lOIl 

,«  *    1 

of 

.Iid1( 

all 

I 


PLAIN      T  R  U  T  II.       49 


X 

g 

c 
d 
ir 


i- 
)e 
1- 

l- 

e- 
n. 

}* 

ft 

ur 
n- 
;ld 
Id. 
try 

le, 

lot 

rs. 

ild 

ler 

lid 

to 

ion 

of 

an 


an  immenfuy  of  fine  crdar;  flie  might  con- 
ilrudt  a  navy  as  formidable  as  that  of  Great 
Britain,  but  to  what  pnrpof?,  other  than 
to  adorn  the  triiimoh  of  her  enemies:  un- 
lefs  flle  could  arm  her  fhip?,  otherwife  than. 
by  a(f>ivC  landfmen,  inftTudHitifd  by  a  few 
focia!  failora.  Oar  Author  Inys,  "  that  the 
Terrible,  Capt.  Death,  flood  the  hotlefl  en- 
gagement of  any  fliip  lafl  war,  yet  had  not 
iwenty  failors  on  board/'  (tho'  her  compli- 
ment of  men  was  upwards  of  two  hundred.) 

We  do  indeed  confcfs  ourfclves  doubtful, 
on  this  head,  and  therefore  wifh  our  Author 
had  produced  his  authority.  We  do  appre- 
hend, that  naval  adions,  very  gcierally  de- 
pend or  Teaman- (hip,  that  is,  on  dextroufly 
working  the  fhip  during  the  combat.  Now 
thejudiciousrcader  will  remember,  that  fliips 
of  war  in  engagement  cannot  be  navigated  by 
a  few  focial  failors,  nor  even  by  a  bare  com- 
petency, uidefs  fuch  failors  are  more  invul- 
nerable than  was  the  great  Achilles. 

**  Were  the  Continent  (fays  our  Author) 
crowded  with  inhabitants,  her  futFcrings 
under  ths  prtfent  circumltance?,  would  be 
intolerable,  the  more  lea  ports  we  had, 
the  more  we  fliould  have  both  to  defend, 
aiid  to  lofc."  This  is  rather  incomprchen- 
fiblc;  I  cannot  imagine,  that  we  would 
be  lefs  fofmidable  with  ten  times  our  pre- 

G  fent 


5<i        PLAIN      T  R  Tj  T  H. 

fent  numbers,  if  at  prefent  we  can  defend 
one    fea-port>    furely,    with    ten   times   as 
many  inhabitant!,  we  could  equally  defend 
ten.     If  with  our  prefent  numbers,  we  are 
a  match  for  the  world,  confequcntly  with 
ten  times  as   many,  we  would  he  a  match 
for   ten  worlds,  which    would   indeed   be 
prodigious  I   The  infant    ftate  of  the  Co- 
Ionics  as   it  is  called,  fo  far  from  being  a- 
gainft,    is   an  ar>^umcnt    in    favor- of  In- 
dependence."    This  affcrtion  is  as  abfurd, 
as  if  he  had  maintained,  that  twenty  is  in- 
ferior in   number   to  two.     "  But  the  in- 
juries and  dilad vantages  we  fuflaiij    >       *  at 
connexion,  are  without  number,     -     -JC 
duty   to  mankind  at  large,  as  well  as  to 
curfelves,  inftrud  us  to   renounce   the  al- 
liance i  becaufe  any  fubmiffion  to,  or  de- 
pendence  upon    Great   Britain,    tends   di- 
redly   to   involve   this  Continent   in    Eu- 
icpean  wars  and  quarrel?.   As  Europe  is  our 
market  for  trade,  we  ought  to  fortn  no  poli- 
tical connexion  with  any  part  of  it."  Inriu- 
merubic  a:e  the  sdvantagesorourconncdion 
with   Britain;   and    a  jud  dependence  on 
her,  is    a    (u*e  wdy   to  avoid  the   horrors 
and  calamiiies  of  war.     Wars   in    Europe, 
will  probably  than  heretofore   become  Icfs 
frequent  j    religious    rancour,    which  for- 
merly animated   princes   to  arms,  is  fuc- 

cecded 


?t 


;  T  H. 

;  can  defend 
zn  times  as 
ually  defend 
[)er6,  wc  are 
^iicntly  with 
i  he  a  match 
I   indeed   be 

of  the  Co- 
rom  being  a- 
avor   of  In- 

is  as  abfurd, 
twenty  is  in- 
'  But  the  in- 
flaiu    >       -at 
ber,    ;t-  i  .it 
,s  well  as  to 
unce  the  al- 
)n  to,  or  de- 
n,    tends   di- 
icnt   in    Eu- 
Europe  is  our 
form  no  poli- 
ot  it."  Innu- 
lurconncdion 
•pendencc  on 
,  the  horrors 
s   in    Europe, 

become  Icfs 

,    which  for- 

arms,  is  fuc- 

cecded 


PLAIN    TRUTH. 


S» 


csedcd  by  a  fpirit  of   philofonhy  extreme- 
ly friendly  to  peace.     The  princes  of  P/J- 
rope  are  or  ou^^hc  to  be  convinced  by  fid 
experience,  that   the  obj^rts    of  conqueft, 
are  vaftly  inadequate  to  the  immenfe  charge 
of  their  armaments.      Prudential   motives, 
therefore,  in  future,  will  often  di«5ljite  ne- 
goclation,  inftcad  of  war.     Bs  it  however 
admitted,  that  our  fpeculations  are   nuga- 
tory, and   that  as  ufiial,  we   are   involved 
in  war.     In  this  cafe  we  really  do  not  par- 
ticipate a  twentieth  part  of  the  miiery  and 
hardlhips  of  war,  experienced  by  the  other 
fubjedts  of  the   tmpirc.      As  fjture   wars 
will   probably     be    carried   on   by  .Britain 
in  her    proper   element,    her  fuccefs    will 
hardly  be  doubtful,  nor  can  this  bs  thought 
audacity,  if  wc  remember  the  great  things 
effedted  by  Britain  in  her  naval  wars,  then 
Iccondary  objedls   to   her  Germanic  con- 
ncdions,    to    which    fhc    now    politically 
ffems  indifrcrcnt.       Our  failors  navigating 
our  vcfl'!:ls  to  the  Weft  Indies  during  war, 
are  exempted   from    imprcfifment,    and    if 
our  trade  to  any  part  of  Europe  is  then  ftag- 
nated,  it  flows  with  uncommon  rapidity  in 
the  Weft  Indies,  nor  is  the  objedt  of  cap- 
tures inconlidcrable. 

Our  author  furcly  forgets,  that  when  in- 
dependent, wc  cannot  trade  with  Europe, 

wiihuui 


If, 


*il, 


5a        PLAIN      T  R  U  T  II. 

without    political    conn^dtions,    and    ihct 
all  treaties  niadc  by  Hi)gla:id  or  other  com- 
mercial  flatcs    r.re,  or   on-ht  to    be,  uhi- 
niatcly     tub -rvient    to     their     commerce. 
•»  But    (fays   our  auilor,)  admitting    that 
matters  were  n-)W  made  up,   what  would  be 
the  event?  1  aniwer  the  ruin  of  the  Conti- 
jient,  and  that  for  fevcral  reafons."    Recon- 
cilia-ion  would  condudl  us  to  our  former  hap- 
py  ftate.     The  happincls  of  the  governed  is 
without  doubt  ll-.e  true  intereftof  the  gover- 
rorF,  and  if  we  aim  not  at  independence, 
there  cannot  be  a  doubt,  of  receiving  every 
advant'ige  relative  to   laws  and  commerce 
that  we  cm  defire.  Montefquicu  fpeaking  of 
the  people  of  England,  lays,  "  They  know 
better  ti.an  any  people  on   earth,  how  to 
value  a  the  fame  time  thefe  three  great  ao- 
vantages,  religion,  liberty,  and  commerce.' 
**  it    is  a   matter   worthy    of  obfcrvation, 
that  the   more  a  country   is  peopled,  the 
fmglb  r  their  armies  arc."  This  indeed  would 
be  worthy    ot    obfervjtion,  did    not   daily 
c}<pericnce   c  ntravcrt   it.     The  armies  of 
RulTi.i,     Fiance,     Auftria,     England,    and 
Fruffia,  '.le  certainly  more  numerous  than 
thoic  of  Spain,  Sweden,  Denmark.  Portugal, 
and    Sarc^ini<i.     Now,    the   fira   five   ftatcs 
c-nia-.n  nearly  fixty  million?,  and   the  lad 
kingdoms  do  not  contain  fourteen  millions 

oi 


1 

f  f  pec 

cicn'-S 

reafor 

qiienc 

nuicb 

thing 

both 

Ev 

fdhuli 

and  c 

ancie 

the  a 

fiates 

earns 

miiit 

ofih 

armi 

buck 

The 

five 

did  1 

fi'xd 

arml 

war. 

hen 

may 

nic; 

at   I 

Let 

in  fi 


T  H. 

and     ihct 
other  com- 

0  bd,  ulti- 
commerce. 
/itiing  that 
at  would  be 
'  the  Conti- 
is."  Rccon- 
former  hap- 
governed  is 

f  the  gover- 
dependence, 
iciving  every 
i  commerce 

1  fpeaking  of 
They  know 
rth.  how  to 
ree  great  ao- 
commerce.'' 
obfcrvatiori, 

peopled,  the 
indeed  would 
id  not  daily 
le  armicG  of 
;ngland,  and 
imcrous  than 
Ilk.  Portugal, 
l\  five  ftatcs 
and  the  lad 
teen  irallions 
of 


PLAIN     TRUTH. 


53 


cf  people.  *'  It  military  numbers,  the  an« 
cients  far  exceeded  the  moderns,  and  the 
rcafon  is  evisleat,  for  trade  being  the  coufe- 
qiiences  of  population,  men  bccoaie  to;i 
much  al.forbcd  thereby,  to  at'cnd  to  any 
thing  cHc,  cotrimerce  diminidies  the  fpirit 
bothof  [  atriotiUn,  and  milit.uy  defence." 

Every   man   of   (enlV,  now     Tqc:dts    ths 
fabulous   numbers  of  the  army   of  X.rxcs, 
and  other  fabled  r.rmies  of  antiquity.     Thz 
ancient  armies,  did  not  exceed  in  numb-MS 
the  armies    of  the  mQderiis.     If  fo,   tl)cir 
fiates  had    been    deft'lated    by  the    horrid 
carnage  of  their   battle?,  atifing   from  tho 
military  fpirit   cf  defence,   from  the  na  ure 
of  their  arms,  and  the  arrar.gcm..nt  c  1  liuir 
armies,   which  permitted  iht  combat mts  to 
buckle  together,  who  fcldom  grve  qi-uiter. 
The  Roman  armies  never  exceed. d  iwcn'.y- 
fivc    legions,  which    including    auxibarits, 
did  not  exceed  two  h'lndrcd  and  fi'ty  tbou- 
fiind,     a    number    greatly    inf.  rior   to    the 
armies  of  F-ancc,  or  p.-rbaps  Diirain  during 
war.     Nutwiihftanding  my   ardour  (ot   U- 
hcri3%   1  do    mort    fervently    pray,  th,at   wc 
may  never  txchange  the    fpirJL    of    com- 
njw.cc,    for  that  or  m  htary   defence,  evcii 
at   tnc    price    of  augai:nting  o'.r    ariiiies. 
Let  us  hear  the  tellimony  of  Montefquieu 
in  favor  of  commerce  :  *'  commerce,    iays 

he. 


54 


PLAIN     TRUTH. 


he,  is  a  cure  for  tha  mod   deftrudive  prc- 
juiices,  for  it    is     almoft    a   general  rule, 
that  wherever   we  find   agreeable  manners, 
their  commerce  flour iOies.     Let  us  not  be 
aftoniflied  then,  if  our  manners    are    novv 
Icfs  fdvagc  than  formerly.     Commerce   has 
every  where   diffufed  a  knowledge   of  all 
nations,    thefe    are    compared    one    with 
another,  and   from  this    comparifon   arifj 
the'  greatefl;  advantages.     Peace  is  the  na- 
tural effedt  of  trade,  6cc."     The  Athenian 
people,  perhaps  the  moft  refpe<Sable  of  an- 
tiquity, did   not    long    poflels    a  commer- 
cial fpirit,  but  were  almoft  continually  af- 
flicted   by  this    fpirit  of  military  defence. 
The  common   people  in  cfl-cdt   diftributed 
the    public    revenues   amongil   ihemfelves, 
while  the  rich,    were  in  a  ftatc  of  oppref- 
lion.     According  to  Lyfius   the  orator  and 
others,  it  was  their  cuftom,  when  in  want 
of  money,  to    put   to  death   fome    of   the 
rich  citizens,  as  well  as  ftrangers,  for   the 
fake  of  the  forfeiture.     In  fhort,  could  wa 
enumerate  the  infinite  train  of  rnisfortunes 
inflided  on  mankind,  in   every  clime    and 
age  by  this   felf-fame  fpirit  of  military  de- 
fence }    our    readers    will    furcly    join    us 
in   opinion,  that  commerce  has   moft  hap- 
pily humanized   mankind.     1  am   not  un- 
aware, that  there   arc   many  declamations 

againil 


again 

gard< 

prod  I 

extrc 

accoi 

plate 

ulcle 

pher' 

iicier 

chie\ 

the  r 

their 

•nam 

Thci 

(If  I 

hood 

Afia, 

inde( 

the 

nard 

and  '. 

infai 

encr 

her  1 

very 

are  t 

and 

Tyr( 

of  C 
u    1 


LJ  T  H. 

truftive  prc- 
gencral  rule, 
>le  manners, 
et  us  not  be 
rs  are  novv 
mmcrce  has 
ledge  of  all 
one  with 
parlfon  arifj 
e  is  rhe  na- 
hc  Athenian 
stable  of  an- 

a  commer- 
ntinuallv  af- 
ary  defence. 
i  diftributed 

ihemfelves, 
c  of  oppref- 
e  orator  and 
i'hen  in  want 
fome  of  the 
gers,  for  the 
rt,  could  W8 
F  misfortunes 
y  clime    and 

military  de- 
rcly  join  us 
ss   moft  hap- 

am   not  un- 

dcclamations 

againil 


PLAIN    TRUTH. 


SS 


againfl:  commerce,    thefe   I   have  ever  re- 
garded as  trials  of  wit,  rather  ihan  fcrious 
productions.     Our  author's  antipathy,  and 
extreme   ave.fion  to   commerce,    is    cafily 
accounted  for.     If  his  independence  takes 
plate,  I  do  aver,  thnt  ccmmcrcc  will  be  as 
ulcleft,  as   our  fearching  for   the  philofo- 
pher's  ftone.    **  And  hsftory  (fays  he,  )  fuf- 
iiciently  informs    u;,  that  the    bravcft   atv 
chievcments    were   always  accompliflied  in 
the  non-age  of  a  nation."     The  Greeks  in 
their  early  llate  were  pirates,  and  the  Ro- 
mans robbers,  and  both  warred  in  chaiaifler. 
Their    glorious    adtions    were    performed, 
(If  I  may  fo  exprefs  myfelf )  in   the  man- 
hood of  their  empire.     Carthage,  Greece, 
Afia,  Spain,  Gaul,    and  Britain,  were  not 
indeed  conquered  during    the    non-age   of 
the    republic.     Agincourt,  CrcfTcy,  Oude- 
nard     Ramillics,      Blenheim,       Dettingen, 
and  Minden,    furcly  were  not  fought  in  the 
infancy  of  the  Englifli  Empire.  *•  With  the 
er.crcafe  of  commerce,     England  has  loft 
her  fpirit."     This  is  really  a  curious  difco- 
vcry  }  who  is  unacquainted,  that  the  English 
are  the  lords  and  fadlors  of  the   univcrfe, 
and  that  Britain  joins  to  the  commerce    of 
Tyre,  Carthage  and  Venice,  the  difcipline 
ot  Greece,  and    the    fire    of   old    Rome. 
"  The  city  of  London,  fubmits    to  conti- 
nued 


?  I 


\ 


s 


f  I 

if 


56      P  L  A  I  N    T  R  U  T  H. 

nntd  iiilults,  with  the  patlenc-  of  a  cowan]. 
The  more  men  have  to   lofe,  the  lels  wiU 
Vwp   they  arc   to    venture,  and    lubmit   to 
cuurtlv  rower  with  the  tren.blini?  duplicity 
of  n  iniHiic^l."     That  an  inc  nfid  rable  par: 
ct"  the' people  in  London,   lubmit  to  a  perfu-: 
not    very    honorably    diftinginOicd   in    tho 
world  is  certai:',  bpt  that  the  city  of  Lon- 
don fubmits  to  continued  inlults  I'J  certainly 
a  mirtake.     I    luppofe  our  aulhur   means, 
that  by  iubmitting  to  the  belt  laws  on  earth 
ihey   lubmit  to   cuntinucd    infults.      The 
rich    whom    he  fo  very  honorably   diftin- 
ctuifties,  can   be  at  no  lofs  for  his    mean- 
mg.     An  Agrarian  law,  would  perhaps  be 
convenient  tor  himlelf   and  his   indcpend- 
cnts       It  may  not  how-ver  be  amifs  to  re- 
mind him  of  that,  whi.h  in   the  multipli- 
city of  his  prcjcdh,  he   may   have  forgot, 
viz.  that  the  ricbert  part  of  the  community 
v^lll  always  be  an  overmatch  for  the   poor- 
eft  part.     •*  It  might  bt^  d:fficolt,  (lays  cur 
author,)  if  not   impcflible,    to    t^rm   thia 
Continent  into  a  government  hali  a  century 

hence."  - 

Here  1  humbly  apprehend  our  author  s 
meaning  is  truly  conlpicui.us.  This  Conti- 
nent fifty  years  hence,  int-;Hibly  will  be 
richer,  and  much  better  peopled  than  at 
prefenl ;  confequently  abler  to  eff<;a:  a  rcvo- 
*^  lutioUi 


F 

a 

r 

f. 

d 

0 
0 

n 

to 


T  H. 


of  a  cowarti. 
he  lei's  wil- 
\   lubinil   to 
ing  duplicity 
'id  rable  par: 
it  to  a  pcrfu': 
Hied  in    the 
city  of  Lon- 
.ts  i'o  certainly 
uhui-   means, 
laws  on  eartii 
ifults.      The 
•rably   dlftin- 
r  his    mean- 
;i   perhaps  be 
lis   indcpend- 
e  amifs  to  re- 
thc  multipli- 
have  t(jrgor, 
ic  community 
■or  the   poor- 
:alt,  (lays  cu: 
to    tjrm  thia 
half  a  century 

1  our  authors 
This  Conti- 
llibly  v/ill  be 
opled  'ihan  at 
)  eff<;ft  a  rcvo- 
lution> 


F 

a 

r 

f. 

d 

0 
0 

o 
to 

M 


rd. 
il- 
to 

ity 
art 

uii 
the 

311- 

nly 
ns, 
rth 
•he 
in- 
m- 

ht 
id- 

re- 

3li- 

;or, 
lity 
or- 
cur 

■h\i 
ury 


5r  s 

iti- 

bc 

at 

vo- 


1'  L  A  I  N    TRUTH. 


S7 


rd. 

il- 

to 

ity 

ar: 

"on 

the 

jn- 

Illy 

ns, 

rth 

•he 

in- 

in- 

ht 
id- 

re- 

3li- 

;or, 
lity 
or- 
cu: 
:hi3 
ury 

ir's 

iii- 

be 

at 

vo- 


lullon.  But  a\?.^  !  e'er  that  period,  our  au- 
thor will  forever  ba  f»  rgottcn  j  impeil  J 
therefore  by  his  villainous  ambition,  h: 
would  rafl.ly  precipitate  hi?  (-•ou..try  into 
every  fpecics  of  horror,  m.fery,  and  d.fjU- 
tion,  rather  than  forego  his  fancis?d  protec- 
tor(h!p.  '•  But  if  you  h.ive,  (fays  c-ur 
author)  and  Hill  can  fluke  hands  with  the 
tnurdtrerj,  then  are  ye  unworthy  the  name 
of  hu{l>ind,  father,  f.i  nd.  or  Ipvcr,  and 
whatever  in^y  be  youi  rank  or  title  in  life, 
you  have  the  hcrt  of  a  coward,  and  the 
fpirit  of  a  (ycophant,  &c.  To  talk  of 
friendfhip  with  thofe  in  who  n  cur  reaf^n 
forbids  us  to  havc  faith,  and  our  affcitions 
wounded  through  a  ihoufand  pores,  in- 
(Iruds  us  to  detcft  is  madncfs  atid  folly." 

Yc  thit  arc  not  drunk  with  fanaticifm 
anlwer  mc  ?  Are  thcfc  words  didated  by 
peace,  or  bale  foul  revenge,  the  cotiaant 
attendant  on  cowards  and  lycophants  ? 
Does  our  author  'j  pirfcdly  vcrf.d  in 
fcrlpture,  mean  Ij  condudt  us  to  peace  or 
defolation  ?  or  is  he  fit  to  Icgiflate  tor  men 
or  devils?  Nations  after  defjlating  each 
other,  (happily  for  mankind,)  forgive,  for- 
get, and  reeon'.ile  ;  'ike  individuals  who 
quarrel,  recrncilc,  and  become  friends. 
I'ollowingth--  laudable  example  of  iheCoN- 
GRESS  J  Wf  lately  have  moft  readily  fhak  n 
H  hands 


S8 


PLAIN    r  11  U  T  II. 


H 


M 


hands  with  nir  inveterate  enemies  the  Cana* 
cliany,  wlio  luvc  (c.ilp  *.!  ncaily  as  many  of 
our  pc  pic  as  the  Uritilli  tioopj  hivc  dorn;; 
Why  thticfurc  mny  wc  not  loigive  and  rc- 
cor.cilt— By  no  means,  ii  Walls  our  author's 
anbitioi.«     pupolcs.      The     linglilli    and 
Scotch,  finer  the  firil  E  Iward's  l.mc,  have 
alternately  flui_,;htercd  each   other,  (in  the 
field  of  B.nn^  jthurn,  more  men  fell,  than 
arc   row   in    the   Ncw-Eni.l.ind  provinces) 
to  the  amcunt  offcveral  hundred  thoufand  : 
And  new  vicv  carh  other  as  fubjedls,  def- 
pifing  thet;;".jrts  of  certain  tuibulent  fpirits, 
tending  to  rekindle   the  ancient  animofity. 
Many  of  the   unhappy  men  criminally  en- 
gaged   with    the  Pretender  ;  reconciled  by 
humane  t.catmeni    to  that  family   againd 
whom  ihcy  rebelled  ;  fcrved  in  their  armies 
a  few  years  after.     Indeed  the  condud  of 
the  Canadi.ins   to  cur  trotps,  as  cfFedtually 
illull.ates  cur  dcdrinc,  as  it  reprobates  the 
Anti-chiiftlali,  diabolical  ttn;ts  of  our  au- 
thor.— •*  The    unwarrantab'c  flretch    like- 
wife,  which  tliat  houfe  made   in   their  lad 
fitting,  to  gain  an  undue  authority  over  the 
Delegates  of  that   province,  ought  to  warn 
the  people  at  large,  ho-v  :hcy  trufi  pov/er 

OUT  OF  THEIR  OWN   HANDS.       A    Ict  of  in- 

ilrudlions  for   the  Delegates  were  put   to- 
gether, which  in  point  of  (cale,  and  bufi- 

nefs 


\\e(s  ^ 

and  a 

few, 

lioufe 

wh-U 

Color 

hath 

fures, 

to  thi 

This 

witht 

had  h 

folvcs 

llituti 

place, 

nion, 

of  ci'r 

virtu( 

with 

tliat  I 

didal 

and 

dia.i 

are  t( 

b^ed 

mon 

gain 

of  tl 

(irud 

njt  i 


riT. 

es  the  Cana* 
as  many  of 
h  ivc  done ; 
give  and  re- 
cur author's 
inglill)    and 
>  l.mc,  have 
!icr,  (in  the 
en  fell,  thuii 
d  provinces) 
d  thoufand : 
"ubjedls,  def- 
ulcnt  fpirits, 
t  aninjofity, 
iminally  cn- 
econcilcd  by 
mily   againd 
their  armies 
:  condudl  of 
IS  efFtdlually 
•probates  the 
;s  of  our  au- 
ftrctch   like- 
in  their  lad 
rity  over  the 
ight  to  warn 

trull   POV/ER 

A  let  of  in- 
here put   to- 
e,  and  bufi- 
nel3 


P  L  A  I  N    T  R  U  T  H.         57 

ncfs  would  have    dirt)onorcd  a   fchool-bay, 
and  after   lH-ir)g  approved  by  a  few,  a  very 
few,  without  doors,  were  carried  into  the 
houf',  nnd   there    paficd   in    behalf  of   the 
whole    Colony.     VVherear,  did  the  whole 
Colony  know,  with  wlul  iii  will  t!iat  houfc 
hath  entered  on  fornc  npct-flary  public  nvja- 
lures,  they   wcuid  not    hefitate   a  tnomcnt 
to  think  them  unworthy  of  fucli  a  trufl." 
This  very  infidious  ch'irge,   v  :  cannot  read 
without  indignati  >n.   If  the  Pcnnlylvanians 
had  happily    adhered  to  their  virtuous   rc- 
folvcs,  it  is  more  than  probabl.  ,  that  a  ro::- 
ftitutional  reconciliation  Ird  e'ernow  taken 
place.    Unfortunately,  rcfcinding  their  opi- 
nion, they  perhaps  adopted  the  kn  'ments 
(il  certain  perfons,  by  no  means   lup-.i.    in 
virtue  or  knowledge.     Thole  not  ii.cbri.ued 
with   independency,    will    certainly   nlluw, 
tliat  the  inllrndticns  to  their  Uele^iatcF,  wc.c 
didated  by  the  true  fpirit  of   peace,  juflice, 
and    exalt.d     p;)licy.       if  iiifpi-aticn    h?.i 
dilated  thofc   refulves,  obncxious  as  they 
are  to  independency,  our  author  had  repro- 
b^ed  them.  How  dare  the  author  of  Com- 
mon Scnfe   fay,    *'  that  they  attempted    to 
gain  an  undue  authority  over  the  Ddcg-tes 
of  their   province?  WH  ;    ,)  proper  to  in- 
lirudt  them,  as  thofe  cholcn  by  the  people; 
nut  in  the  hour  cf  paflion,    riot  and  conlu- 

ficn, 


60        PLAIN   TRUTH. 

finn,  but  in  the  day   of  peace  and  tranquil 
rtflr-dicn.      The   gentltman,    whom  our 
author  impotently  att 'tks,  in  this  and  other 
innuci^dos  j  will  b;  long  revered  by  his  grate- 
lul  cuuiurymen,    and  the  fiiends    of  man- 
kuid  J    as  well  for   his  true   patriotifm  and 
extenfive  abilities,    a*  hts  unbounded  bene- 
volence.   Would  we  prt  fit  hy  the  unhappy 
examples   of  our  anctftoss,    (which    alas! 
maiikmd  too  leldom  d. ,)    let  us  remember 
the  fate  of  thole  illuft'  ious   patriots,  of  the 
fiift  Charles's  time  :  Allied  at  iirlt  with  the 
ii, dependents}    they  did   not   fufped   thofe 
execrable  hypocrites,  of  the   horrid  dcfign 
of  deftroying  the    King  and    conftitution. 
When  thty  law  through  their  abf^minablc 
vie  A  fa,  it  was  too  late  to  fave  the  King  and 
*  k;:.?;dom}   for  the  independents  h.d  (eized 
the"itntr:';".>fv      i:oca  as  tney  were  tiimiy 
pol^f  ff.'d  ot  power  ;    they  perfecuted  thofe 
iiiuOriouj  patriots,  with    more  unrelenting 
viiulence,  t^^an  the  profeffed   advocates  cf 
arbitrary   pcwtr.  Every    virtuous  Pennfyl- 
vsiiian,  muft   b-  fi'ed    with  indignation  at 
the  inlidious  attack  made  by  this   indepen- 
dent on  the  relpedable  afllmbly  of  his  pro- 
vinte.     li  deed,  the  Affrmbly  of  Pcnnlyl- 
vania  in  this  unworthy  treatment  have  a  iure 
carneft  <  t  their  future  expedations. — •'  It  is 
the  cuftom  oi    nations,   (fays    our  author) 

when 


,nd  tranquil 
whom  our 
s  and  other 
jy  his  grate- 
ds    of  man- 
triotifm  and 
unded  benc- 
the  unhappy 
which    alas ! 
is  remember 
riots,  of  the 
lirlt  with  the 
fufped   thofe 
101  rid  dfcfign 
conftitution. 
r  abominable 
he  King  and 
Its  h.'d  (eized 
^  were  riimiy 
•fecuted  thofe 
e  unrelenting 
advocates  cf 
lous  Pennlyl- 
indignstion  at 
this  indepen- 
ly  of  his  pro- 
f  of  Pennlyl' 
ent  have  a  lure 
;ions. — **  It  is 
our  author) 
when 


PLAIN    TRUTH. 


6x 


when  any  two  are  at  war,  for  fome  other 
powers  not  engaged  in  the  quarrel,  to  ftep 
in  as  mediators,  and  bring  about  the  pre- 
liminaries of  a  peace.  But  while  America 
calls  herfelf  the  fubjed  of  Britain,  no  power, 
however  well  dil'pofed  (he  may  be,  can  offer 
her  mediation.  Wherefore  in  our  prcfent 
ftate  we  may  quarrel  on  forever." 

Nation?,  like  individuals,  in  the  hour  of 
paffion  attend  to  no  mediation.     But  when 
heartily  drubbed     and  tired  of  war,  are  very 
r'-adily  reconciled,  without  the  intervention 
of  mwdiatorsj  by  whom,  belligerents  were 
never   reconciled,    until    their   intcrefts   or 
paflions  didated  the  pacification.      Jt  we 
may    ufe   our   author's    elegant    langiage, 
mediation  is  •*  farfical."     I  grant  however, 
that  the  idea  of  our  forcing  England  by  arms 
to  treat  with  us  is  brilliant.     "  It  is  unrea- 
fonable  continues  (our  author)   to  fuppofe 
that  France  and  Spain  will  give  us  any  kind 
of  afTiftance,  if  we  mean  only  to  make  ufe 
of  that  afTiltance  for  the  purpofe  of  repair- 
ing the  breach,  and  ftrengthening  the  con- 
n.dion  between  Britain  and  America;  be- 
caufe  thofe  powers  would  be  fufFerers  by  the 
confcquences." 

C  jnfjdcring  "  wc  have  the  moft  numer- 
ous., aud  belt  clifciplined  army  under  Heaven; 

and 


R: 


h  '^\ 


11 


hi 


f)2 


PLAIN     TRUT  IT. 


nnd  a  fleet  fit  to  contend  with  the  navy  of 
Britain  ;"    wc  murt   fuppofe   our    Auihor's 
brain   sffcded   by   dwelling   conftantly  on 
]}is   beloved  independency,  clfe  he  would 
\y.X  have  the  imbtcility  to  requite  the  aflift- 
nnce  of  France  and  Spain.  '1  he  manner  of 
his  prevailing  on  France  and  Spain  to  afiiil 
ns,  is  alfo  a   ftrong  proof  of  h*s  iaianity. 
Did   thofe  powers,  hclitafe  to  iuccour  the 
Scotch   rebels  in    J745,    bccaufe   they   did 
not   declare    thcmlclvcs   independent.      It 
then  was  their  intcreft  to  create  a  diverfion, 
alas!  too  fericus  in  the  fequel  fv.r  ihe  de- 
luded  rebels   in   that  kingdom  j  and  were 
they  now  intercftcd  in  aiding  us,  they  un- 
doubtedly would  do  it  In  fpite  of  quibbles. 
In  fuch  cafe,  e'er  this  time,  their  armies  and 
ravies  had  joined  us  without  interruption  ; 
For  \\'2   muft   confefs,  that   the  efforts  of 
lini.iin  hitherto,  would  not  have  precluded 
the  republic  of  G:;noa  from  aiding  us.  Sup- 
pofe  our  author,  had  a  fon  or  an  apprentice 
tlopcd  to  his  intimate  acquaintance,  and  de- 
fired  to  enter  into  his  fervice:  It  this  perfon 
replied  to  tiie  youth  -,  I  know  your  appren- 
tic(?fliip  is  unexpired,  notv.'ithf^andingdeclare 
yourfeif  a  freeman,  and  I  will  hire  and  pro^ 
tedt  you.     1  demand,  would   fuch  odious, 
ridiculous  duplicity,    render   cur   fuppofed 
per.^jp.,   kfs  criminal    in    the  eyes   ot  our 

Author 


Aut 

ous 

nifel 

fcigi 

five 

rimi 

e(ta 

gle 

bein 

rppe 

is  d£ 

any 

aft  r 

ddu 

pies 

exec 

ners 

to  pi 

plan 

porfc 

coul 

Illar 

alfo 

niar 

and 

vvou 

part 

and 

aie 

ill  E 


T  IT. 

the  navy  of 
r  Author's 
iftantly  on 

he  would 
e  the  affift- 

manner  of 
ain  to  afiiil 
li'S  inianity. 
uccour  the 
e   they  did 
idtnt.      It 
a  divtrfion, 
fur  the  de- 
j  and  were 
5,  they  un- 
sf  quibbles. 
■  armies  and 
iterrupticn  ;■ 
e  efforts  of 
e  precluded 
ig  us.  Sup- 
1  apprentice 
ice,  and  de- 

this  perfon 
our  apprcn- 
idingdeclare 
ire  and  pro-* 
uch  odiuus, 
IV  fuppofed 
:ycs  ot  our 
Author 


PLAIN    TRUTH. 


6j 


Author,  or  render  the  example  If  fs  danger- 
ous to  his  own  apprentice.  '«  Were  a  um- 
nifefto  (fays  our  author)  difpaiched  to  fo- 
reign courts,  6:c."  This  alio  is  a  ccnclu- 
five  proof  of  our  author's  rnaniacum  deli- 
rium. Our  au'hor  *•  challenges  the  warm- 
ed advocate  for  reconciliation  to  iliew  a  Tin- 
gle advantage  this  dntinent  can  reap,  by 
being  connected  with  Great  Britair,  1 
repeat  the  challenge,  not  a  fmgle  advantai<e 
is  derived  :  Our  corn  will  fetch  its  price  in 
any  market  in  Europe  :"  Were  the  author's 
aft  rtions  refpsding  our  power,  as  real  as 
dclufive,  a  reconciliation  on  liberal  princi- 
ples with  Great  Britain,  would  be  mofl: 
excellent  policy.  I  wave  fimilarity  of  man- 
ners, laws,  and  cuftoms,  mod  friendly  indeed 
to  perpetual  alliance.  The  grcatcft  part  of  our 
plank,  ftaves,  Ihingles,  hoops,  corn,  beef, 
pork,  herrings,  and  many  other  articles, 
could  find  no  venf,  but  in  the  Englifli 
Illands.  The  demand  for  our  fl  ur  would 
alfo  be  confidcrably  ItfTened.  The  Spa- 
niards have  no  demand  for  thefe  articles  j 
and  the  French  little  or  none.  Britain 
would  be  a  principal  mart  for  our  lurnher, 
part  of  our  grain,  naval  flurcs,  tobacco, 
and  many  other  articles,  which  perhaps 
aie  not  generally  wanted  in  any  kingdom 
in  Europe.    If  i:  is  fuggcfled,  :hat  the  En- 

glifh 


f  ,• 


if 


61. 


PLAIN      TRUTH. 


glifli  Iflnnds,  impelled  by  neceflity  wojld 
trade  wiih  us.  1  reply,  tl^at  it  is  not  un- 
cnnamon  to  fee  Efiglifti  fljur  for  fale  in 
thole  Iflinds  J  as  ciir  n-'crchants  h?.ve  more 
than  once  found  to  their  cort.  hince  1750, 
flour  hath  fold  in  the  Jfl.uids,  :it  ten  and 
twelve  per  cent,  the  price  being  reduced  by 
flour  from  England. 

Britain  is  alio  better  calculated  to  fupply 
us,  with  woollen  goods  and  other  nfceflary 
articles,  than  any  kingdom  in  Europe.  Should 
a  fcparation  cnluej  Britain  will  open  an  cx- 
tcnfive  commerce  to  the  Baltic,  and  Ruffia, 
for  all,  or  matny  of  the  commodities,  fhe 
now  receives  from  us.  The  Ruffians,  lince 
their  laft  glorious  treaty  with  the  Porte  j  can 
now  export  the  commodities  of  their  moft 
fertile  Ukraine,  through  the  Mediterranean, 
until  that  period,  they  were  conftrained  to 
carry  their  hemp,  eight  or  nine  hundred 
miles  to  the  Baltic,  whence  by  a  long  and 
dangerous  navigation,  it  reached  the  dif- 
ferent ports  in  the  Atlantic.  1  need  not 
inform  the  reader  that  fuch  immenfe  land 
carriage,  precluded  the  fubjedls  of  Ruffia 
from  raifing  wheat,  which  generally  fold 
in  the  Ukraine  for  trn-p«ince  per  bufhel,  as 
did  rye  at  five- pence  in  that  extenfive  re- 
gion, than  which  no  country  on  earth  is 
more     happllv    adapted     for    that     grain. 

The 


^^i 


II 


T  H. 

flity  would 

t  is  not  un- 

for  fale  in 

h?.ve  more 
Since  1750, 

;il  ten  and 
t  reduced  by 

d  to  fupply 
ler  ntceflary 
rope.  Should 

open  an  cx- 
and  Rullia, 
modities,  (he 
Luflians,  fincc 
jc  Poric }  can 
of  their  moft 
[editerranean, 
:onftrained  to 
line   hundred 
:)y  a  long  and 
;hcd  the  dif- 
1   need   not 
Immenfe  land 
ids   of  Ruflia 
generally  fold 
^er  bufhel,  as 

extenfive  re- 

y  on  earth  is 

■    that     grain. 

The 


t 
i 
1 
c 

s 


The 

guin 

eftah 

fia, 

prod 

by 

Eur( 

mea 

grail 

prift 

Asc 

reco 

con( 

Eng 

bitar 

in  tt 

the  I 

ofE 

to  f 

thoi 

coui 

the 

inad 

lowi 

on 

and 

chei 

Ii 

Eur 


PLAIN     TRUTH.       57 

The  Britifli  nation,  pre-eminently  diftin- 
guifbed  for  induftry  and  cntcrprife,  will 
eftablidi  fadtories  in  the  provinces  of  Ruf- 
fia,  and  animate  thofe  people  to  emulate  our 
produdions,  whi^b  they  will  truufport 
by    the    Mediterranean,    to    the  ports    of 

Kurop'-",  and  the  Weft-Indies. By  thefc 

means,  and  the  culture  of  Poland,  our 
grain  would  probably  be  reduced  to  its 
priftine  price,  two  (hillings  and  fix  pence. 
As  our  Author  is  fo  violently  bent  againft 
reconciliation}  he  muft  either  fuppjfe  a 
conftant  war  with  the  incenfed  power  of 
England;  or  admit  that  he  is  a  proper  inha- 
bitant of  the  domains  of  Ariofto,  (the  world 
in  the  moon  )  Now,  admitting  *'  we  have 
the  moft  numerous,  and  beft  difciplined  army 
under  Heaven  j  and  a  navy  formidable  for  that 
of  England;"  pray,  what  are  our  refources 
te  pay  fuch  confidcrable  armaments?  Al- 
though I  do  not  wifh  to  mortify  my 
countiythen  j  I  muft  acknowledge,  that 
the  neat  proceeds  of  all  our  produce  is 
inadequate  to  that  end.  Our  Author  al- 
lows "that  we  have  a  confiderable  check 
on  the  Weft  India  commerce  of  Britain, 
and  that  Great  Britain  has  a  confiderable 
check  upon  our  European  trade." 

In  cafe  Great  Britain  infults  therefore  our 
European  bound  (hips,  we  have  only  to  or- 

I  der 


I' 


« 


I 


53 


PLAIN     TRUTH. 


derour  admirals  to  fcife  their  Weft   India- 
men.    Unfortunately,  the  Algerincs,  ando- 
ther  piratical  ftatcs  ol"  Africa,  have  no  Weft- 
India  coir.incrce  j  and  not  having  the  dear-* 
cil  diftindions  of  thine  and  mine ;  will  be 
apt  to  fcile  our  vcffels.     Our  author  afiums 
«•  that  our  trade  will  always  bj  our  protec- 
tion."    I  thcreibrc  crave  his    pardon,   and 
/hall  believe,  that  the  fight    of  our  grain, 
and  fmell  of  ihc  New  England  CodhQi,  will 
cffedually   ferve    as  a  IVltditcrranean  pafs, 
to  the  piratical  rovers.     1  do  humbly  con- 
fcfs  my  fufpicions,  leaft  Portugal  extremely 
dependent  on  Great  Britain,  may   not  in- 
fult    U8.      When     independent,     we    no 
doubt  will  receive  ftrong  proofs  of  friend- 
fhip    from  France  and   Spain:  Ncverihe- 
lefb,   with  the  utmo.^  humility  1  imagine, 
could  we  feife  Gibraltar  or  Portmahon,  and 
there  ftation  a  fortridable  fquadron  of  capi- 
tal  fliipi-  i    we  might  as  efFeaually  protedl 
our  commerce,  as  our  trade  will  protcd  us. 
The  author  of  Common  Senfe  confidently 
i,ffirn.?,  *'  that  our  trade  will  always  be  its 
protedtioii."  I  cannot  imagine  that  his  purle 
or  watch  would  eftcaually  proteft  him   on 
Hounfiow,  or  Blackhcath  from  footpads  or 
highwaymen.     Hitherto  we   have    treated 
of  reconciliation  on  the  principles   of  our 


Il 


T  H. 

/"cO.   India- 
mes,  ando- 
'c  no  Wcft- 
5  the  clear-^ 
»e  j  will  be 
thor  affirms 
our  protcc- 
)ardon,   and 
F  our  grain, 
:odliai,  will 
ranean  pafs, 
umbly  con- 
al  extremely 
nay   not  in- 
[it,     we    no 
is  of  friend- 
i:  Ncvcrihe- 
ly  I  imagine, 
rtmahon,  and 
dron  of  capi- 
:ually  protedl 
ill  protedl  us. 
e  confidently 
always  be  its 
that  his  purfe 
nedt  him  on 
m  footpads  or 
have    treated 
iciples   of  our 
l-irg 


1'  L  A  I  N      TRUTH.      ^9 

jeing  S.S   potent  as  Great  Britain.     Let  uj 
now   confider   our  army,  nearly  as  I  have 
Aaled  it,  and  our  navy   as  an  ohjca  by  no 
means  lublunary.    It  now  behoves  us  well 
to  confider,  whether  it  were  better  to  enter 
die  harbour  of  peace  with  Great  Britain,  or 
plunge  the  (hip  into  all  the  horrcrs  of  war. 
—Of  civil  war.    As  peace  and  a  happy  ex- 
tenfion  of  commerce,  are  objcas  infinitely 
b-tter  for  Great  Britain  ;  than  war  and  a  di- 
minutiion  of  her   commerce.     It  therefore 
is  her  intereft  to  grant  us  every  fpecies  ot 
indulgence,    confirtcnt   v/ith  our  conftitu- 
tional '  dependence,    Hiouid   war   contmue, 
tl     e  cv>n  be  no  doubt  of  the  annihjlation  of 
our  niips,  ports  and  commerce,  by  Great 
Britaiii.     The  King's  nVips   now  m  r^ew 
England,  unhappily  are  mere  than  fufficier.t 
to  ruin  the  ports  and  -.mmGrce   of  ihefe 
provinces.     Nev   York  is  already  fc....cd  j 
and  I  fl^ould  be   extremely  grieved  to  hy, 
that  a  fmall  armament,  were   deltmed    f - 
gainft  Philadelphu.     In  the  c^.nion  of  the 
bea  officcis  ..f  the  navy ;  PhiUdelphui  is 
acceffiblc  to  ?.  iew  forty  and  fifty  gun  fmps. 
in  defpite  of  our  temr''rary    expedients  _  to 
fortify  the  river  Delaware.     If  fuch  opinion 
is  groundless  the  n..niftry  by  their  imbec.l- 
r-iv  have  befriended  us  ;  fince  by  guardmg 
t4  lliver  Delaware  with  a  few  fngr??.  m- 


t<( 


6o      PLAIN      T  R  U  T  H. 


1 


1 


ly  J    they  had   prccludtd  us   from    arming 
our   vcltcls    and     ftrcngthening    the    livcr 
Delaware.     I  would   remind  our  author  of 
the  conftant  language,  rnd  apparent  purport 
of  all  ranks  in  oppofiiion  to  Great  Britain  ; 
"  We  have  (fay   they)  been  the    happiift 
people  on  earth,  and  would  continue  to  be 
lu,  fliould  Great  Britain  renounce  her  claim 
of  taxation.    We  have  no  finifter  views,  wc 
claim  not  independent  ;  No  !    Perifh  the 
thought."  Such  1  believe  alfo  was  the  tenor 
of   the  petitions  from   the  Congrefs  to  his 
Majcfty.     New  I  would  afk  every  man  of 
fentiment,    what    opinion    our  friends    in 
Great  Britain,  nay  the  whvle  wcrld    will 
entertain   of  us,  if  ingiattfully,  ?nd  madly 
adopting  our  author's  frantic  ichemes,  wc 
reject  rrr. '"enable   terms    of  reconciliation f 
Will  they  not  mod  aflurtjiy  believe,  that 
our  popular  leaders,  have  V    infinite  art,  de- 
luded the  unwary  people  iiUiMheir  pre-con- 
ccrtcdfchcmcs;  on  luppcfiii^  ■),  that  tie  time 
kadjound  us?     Thofe  acqu;.inted  with  Bri- 
tain muft  confcfs,  that  the  minority  ii,  par- 
liament, hitherto  have  been  our  main  prop. 
Now  independency    for    ever    annihilat.s 
this  our  bell  refourcc.  Let  us  admit  a  \:.)Z 
of  the  minority,    republicans,  or    wha.    sa 
more  probable,  bent  on  removing  the  { jc- 
fcnt  minif^ry  from  their  power.     Our  au- 
thor's 


i 


r  H. 

m   arming 
the    liver 
r  author  of 
cnt  purport 
;at  Britain  ; 
ic   happitft 
itlnue  to  be 
e  her  claim 
views,  wc 
Penfti  the 
as  the  tenor 
grcfs  to  his 
ery  man  of 
friends    in 
wcrld    will 
5».nd  madly 
chemes,  wc 
;onciliaticii? 
ielieve,  that 
nite  art,  dC' 
eir  prc-con- 
that  tie  time 
:d  with  Bfi- 
)tlty  i..  p^r- 
r  main  prop. 
annihi!ai-.8 
idmit  a  }-iC 
or    who'.    13 
ing  the  I  se- 
r.     Our  au- 
thor's 


F    L  A  1  N      TRUTH.       d 

thur's  fchemci  annihilatfi  all  their  confe- 
quencc,  all  their  oppofition.  In  cafe  of 
our  ii>depcndcijce,  (hould  a  Barre,  or 
Burke,  patronifcour  gaverment;  fuch  pa- 
trons, would  infallibly  participate  the  fate 
of  the  great  and  good  Df.wrrs  ;  be  torn  in 

pieces  by  the    furious   People. If  my 

remarks  are  founded  on  truth,  it  refults, 
tbat  the  time  hath  not  found  us ;  that  inde- 
pendency is  inexpedient,  ruinous,  and  im- 
praaicablc,  and  that  recunciliation  with 
Great  Britain  on  good  terms,  is  o.ir  fole 
rcfource.  Tis  this  alone,  will  render  us 
rcfpedlable  ;  it  is  this  alone,  will  render  us 
numerous}  it  is  this  only,  v/ill  make  us 
happy. 

I  fliall  no  longer  detain  my  reader, 
but  conclude  with  a  few  remarks  on 
our  Author's  fchemc.  The  people  of 
tbofe  Colonies  would  do  well  to  confidcr 
the  charadler,  fc  tune,  and  defigns  of  our 
Author,  and  his  independents;  and  com- 
pare them  with  thofe  of  the  moft  amiable 
and  venerable  perfonages  in,  and  out  of  the 
Congrcfs  who  abominate  fuch  n'-farious 
meafures.  1  would  humbly  obfervc,  thatthi 
fpecious  fcience  of  politics,  is  of  all  others, 
the  moft  delufive.  Soon  after  the  Revolu- 
tion; the  ableft  flatef-men  iu  England, 
and    other   parts    of  Europe;  corsfidcn'' 

prcd.-^ 


62        PLAIN      TRUT  11, 

nrcd'acd  National  rnin,  infallible  ruin, 
ioon  as  the  Public  debt  exceeded  fifty 
million,  ftcrling.  T'^e  Nation  now  indcbt- 
cd  neatly  thrice  that  ium  j  is  not  arrived  at 
the  zenith  of  her  credit  and  power.  It  is 
perhaps  pomble  to  form  a  fpecious  fyftcm 
of  government  on  paper  which  may  fccm 
nraaicable,  and  to  have  the  confent  of  the 
people  i  yet  it  will  not  anfwer  in  praa.cc, 
nor  retain  their  approbation  upon  trial. 
..  All  plans  of  government  (fays  Hume) 
which  fuppofe  great  reformation  in  the  man- 
ncrs  of  mankind,  are  merely  imaginary. 

The  fabricators  of  Independency  have  too 
n.uch  influence  ;  to  be  cntrufted  in  fuch  ar- 
Ls  and  important  concerns.  This  rcafon 
Tuc.  v,c.cmc\c:^i  zi  pre  ent  to  deter 
us  from  altering  the  Conaitut.an.  It  would 
b'  as  inconfiftent  in  our  leaders  in  this  hour 
<'f  danger  to  form  a  government ;  as  it  were 
for  a  Colonel  forming  his  battalion  in  the 
face  of  an  enemy,  to  ftop  to  write  an  e% 

""Sainhor's  Quixotic  fyacm,  is  really 
an  infult  to  our  underllanding  ;  it  is  infinitely 
inferior  to  Hume's  idea  ol  a  perfed  Com- 
*^on  W-lth  ;  which  notwithftanding  h.s 
Sowleged   greatnefs  of  genius     is  ft.H 

eS  It  is  not  our  bufinc  s  to  ex- 

ar^  ne,  in  what  manner  this  author's  affoci- 

U  :    cquired  their  knowledge  in  na^.ona 


J  T  n, 

illible  ruin, 
:ecded  fifty 
now  indcbt- 
ot  arrived  at 
owcr.  Il  is 
cinus  fyftcm 
:h  may  f«m 
)nfcnt  of  the 

in  ptdiCtkc, 
upon  trial, 
fays  Hume) 
1  in  the  man- 
laginary." 
:ncy  have  too 
d  in  fuch  ar- 

This  rcafon 
:nt,  to  deter 
an.  It  would 
5  in  this  hour 
U  J  as  it  were 
talion  in  the 
vritc  an  cfTay 

cm,  is  really 
it  is  infinitely 
perfedt  Com- 
bftanding  his 
:nius,  is  flill 
ufinefs  to  ex- 
uthor's  affoci- 
gc  in  national 
aflfairs  j 


f  L  A  I  N    TRUTH.      63 

nffairs  ;     but    wc   miy    predi<5l,    that   hii 
Ichcme  of  ind*pfindency  would  foon,  very 
Tjon  give  way  to  1  govemntcnt  impofcd   on 
us,  by  fomc  Cromwell  of  our  armies.     Nor 
is  this  fcntimcnt  unnatural,  if  we  arc  atten- 
tive to  conftant  experience,  and  human  na- 
ture. The  fublime  Mon tesq^/ieu,  fo  aptly 
quoted  by  the  Congrefs,  unhappily  corrobo- 
rates our  dodrine,  ••  from  (fays  he)  a  man- 
ner of  thinking  that  prevails  amongfl  man- 
kind.    They  fct  a  higher  value  upon  cou- 
rage than  timoroufnefs,  onadlivity  than  pru- 
dence, on   flrcngih  than  counkl.     Hence, 
the  army  will  ever  defpife  a  fenate,  and  re- 
fpedl  their  own  officers.     They  will  natu- 
rally flight  the  order  fent  them  by  a  body 
of  men  whom  they  look  upon  as  cowards, 
and  therefore  unworthy  to  command  them, 
fo  that  as  foon  as  the  army  depends  on  the 
legiflativc  body,  it  becomes  a  military  one  j"- 
and  if  the  contrary  has  ever   happened,  it 
has  been  owing  to  fome  extraordinary  cir- 
cumftances,   fuch  as  Holland  being  able  to 
drown    her    garrifons,    and  the  Venetian* 
having   it   in  their  power  to  compel  their 
troops  to  obedience  by  the  vicinity  of  the 
European    armies.      Refources    to    which 
we  torcvcr  muft  be  ftrangers.     If  indepen- 
dence takes  place,  the  New  England  men 
by  their  confequence   therein  j  will  affume 

a  fuperiority 


I 


■'I 


M 


m 


^' 


64. 


PLAIN      TRUTH.' 


a  fuperiority,  impatiently  to  be  born  by  the 
other  Colonies. 

Notwithftanding  our  Author's  fine  words 
about  toleration:  Ye  fons  of  peace  and  true 
chriftianity  j  believe    me.  it    were  folly  fu- 
preme,  madnefs.  to  exped  angelic  toleration 
from    New-England,  where  ftic  has   con- 
ftantlybcen  detefted.  perfecutcd  and  execr.i- 
cd      Even   in  vain   would  our  Author  j   or 
our  Cromwell  cheriOi  toleration  ;    for  the 
people  of  New-England,  not   yet    arrived 
in   the  feventeenth  or  eighteenth  century, 
would  reprobate  her.— It  is  more  than  pro- 
bable to  fuppofe.  that  the  New-England  go- 
vernments   would  have  no  objedion  to  an 
Agrarian  law  ;  nor  is  it  unreafonable  to  fup- 
p4,  that  fuch  divifion  0/ property  wou 
be  very  agreeable  to  the  fold.ers.     Indeed 
their  General  could  not  perhaps  with  fafc^ 
to  his  exiftence  as  a  General,  refufe    hem 
fo   reafonable    a  gratification,    particular  y. 
as  he  will  have  more  than  one  occafion  0 
their  fcrvices.     Let  us  however  admit  th 
our  General  and  troops,  contradidng  ti>^e 
experience  of  ages  j  do  not  aflume  the  fo- 
verdgnty.     Rekafed  from  foreign  war ;  we 
would  probably  be  plunged  into  all  the  m. 
fery  of  anarchy  and  inteft.ne  war.     C.n  we 
fuppofe  that  the  people  of  the  fouth     wou  d 
fubmit  to  have  the  (eat  of  Empire  at  Phil  a 


c 
e 
ti 
h 


tc 
k 

y 

tr 

ta 

I- 

tl 

tr 

B 

la 

oi 

tl: 

vv 


7  T  H.' 

born  by  the  ^     ' 


;  fine  words 
ice  and  true 
ere  folly  fu- 
lic  toleration 
le  has  con- 
and  execrai- 
Author  J  or 
ion  i    for  the 

yet  arrived 
nth  century, 
ore  than  pro- 
England  go« 
jedlion  to  an 
►nable  to  fup- 
operty  would 
icrs.  Indeed 
ps  with  fafcty 
,  refufe  them 

particularly, 
:  occafion  for 
er  admit  that 
[radioing  the 
flume  the  fo- 
eign  war  j  we 
ito  all  the  mi- 
^rar.     C?.n  we 
fouth,    would 
pire  at  Phila- 
delphia, 


i 
f 
f 

d 
c 
e 
ti 
h 


tc 
k 

T 

ta 

h 

tl 

tr 

B 

la 

ol 

tl: 

w 


)■) 


PLAIN    TRUTH. 


73 


f' 


is 
le 
i- 
>n 

li- 
lt- 
or 
he 
ed 

•y. 

0- 

;o. 
an 
ip. 
M 

jed 
V,ty 
em 

rly, 
for 
:hat 
the 
fo- 
we 
irji- 

3uld 
lUa- 

i 


delphia.  or  in  New  England  j  or  that  the 
people  opprefled  by  a  change  of  government, 
contrafting  their  mifery  with  their  former 
happy  ftate,  would  not  invite  Britain  to  rc- 
aflume  the  fovereignty. 

A  failure  of  commerce  precludes  the  nu- 
merous tribe  of  planters,  farmers  and  others, 
from  paying  their  debts  contraded  on  the 
faith  of  peace  and  commerce.  They  can- 
not, nor  perh2ps  ought  not  to  pay  their 
debts.  A  war-  will  enfuc  between  the 
creditors  and  their  debtors,  which  will 
eventually  end  in  a  general  fpunge  or  aboli- 
tion of  debts,  which  has  more  than  once 
happened  in  other  States  on  occafions 
iimilar. 

Ye  refpedable  defcendants  of  the  plan- 
ters from  Holland  and  Swiflerland  j  who  ac- 
knowledge, that  your  fathers  have  inftrufted 
you  to  felicitate  yourfelves  in  cxifting  under 
the  benign  Britil'h  government.  And  have 
taught  you  to  execrate  the  Government  of 
Holland  and  other  popular  ftates,  where 
the  unhappy  people  unacquainted  v.'ith 
trial  by  jury  and  other  pec  uliar  felicities  of 
Britifti  Subjedts  are,  (to  ufc  the  iigi  ificant 
language  of  your  fathers)  under  the  harrow 
of  oppreiTive  Demagogues.  Do  ye  pofTefs 
the  wifdom  to  continue  your  happinefs  by  a 
well  rcLulatcd  connexion  with  Britain  ? 


K 


Volumes 


i 


I 


^v 


74 


PLAIN      TRUTH. 


Volumes  were  infufficicnt  to  defcribe  the 
horror,  mifery  and  defolation,  awaiting  the 
people  at  large  in  the  Syren  form  of  Ame- 
rican independence.  In  (hort,  I  affirm  that 
it  would  be  mod  excellent  policy  in  ihofe 
who  wifli  for  True  Liberty  to  fubinit 
by  an  advantageous  reconciiiation  to  the 
authority  of  Great  Britain  ;  *•  to  accompliOi 
in  thfc  long  run,  what  they  cannot  do  by 
hypocrify,  fraud  and  force  in  the  (hort  one." 
Independence  a:  ^lavurv 
ARE  Synonymous    iisRMS. 


of 

it  % 

Vol 


V 


rlii 


F    I    N 


I    S 


Th 

!ar  na 
obvio 
of  th< 
merit 
opini( 

naen 

Ik 
to  lea 
and  r 

of  m 


T 


f  T  H. 

lefcribe  the 
wailing  the 
m  of  Amc- 
I  affirm  that 
icy  in  ihofe 
Y  to  fubmit 
rion  to  the 
)  accompliftj 
nnot  do  by 
e  (hort  one." 

■  L  A  V  E  R  y 

RMS. 


T^be  following  Publication  by  Rational  is, 
ii  printed  in  this  Jize^  for  the  convenience 
of  thofe  Gentlemen,  who  choofe  to  bind 
it  with  other  Pamphlets,  in  an  Odlavo 
Volame. 

The  Republican  Spirit  is  indeed  at  Bottom 
as  ambitious  as  the  Monarchical. 

Voltaire. 


T 


HE  town  ha3  been  lately  amufed  with 
a  new  political  pamphlet,  entitled 
Common  sense. 

This  piece,  though  it  has  taken  a  popu- 
lar name,  and  implies  that  the  contents  are 
obvious,  and  adapted  to  the  underflandings 
of  the  bulk  of  the  people  is  fo  far  from 
meriting  the  title  it  has  aiTumed,  that  in  my 
opinion  it  holds  principles  equally  incon- 
tinent with  learned  and  common  Senfe. 

I  know  not  the  author,  nor  am  I  anxious 
to  learn  his  name  or  charadterj  lor  the  book, 
and  not  the  writer  of  it,  is  to  be  the  fubjeit 
of  my  animadverfion». 

'Tis  the  glory  of  a  free  country  to  enjoy 

a  free 


'U  -J  ''■'•.'■4lff'-r 


•U  ^ 


76 


RATIONALlSi 


fU  ■ 


a  tree   pr-fs,  and  of  this,    that  the   fcnti- 
mcnts  and  opinions  of  the  meaneft,  equally 
with  thofe  of  the  grcateft,  arc  brought  to 
view  ;  for  we  kaow  by  frequent  inftances, 
that  the  rich   and  high  born  arc   not   the 
monopolizers  of  wifdom  and  virtue. — On 
the  contrary,  thefe   qualities  are  oftener  to 
be  found  among  the  middling  clafs  in  every 
country,  who,  being  lefs  diffipated  and  de- 
bauched than  thofe  who  are  ufually  exiled 
their  betters,  apply  themfelves   with  more 
induftry  to  the  culture  of  their  underftand- 
ings,  and  in  reality  become  better  acquain- 
ted with  the  true  interefts  of  the  focicty  in 
which  they  live. 

But  to  my  great  grief  I  have  too  often  fecn 
inftances  of  perfons  in  every  clafs  of  life, 
whofe  publications,  at  the  fame  time  they 
have  reflcdt-d  honor  on  the  parts  and  genius 
of  the  authors,  have  been  fo  fhamefuUy 
wanting  in  candor  as  to  attempt,  by  the 
cadence  of  words,  and  force  of  ftile,  a  to- 
tal pervcrfion  of  the  underftanding. 

The  pamphlet  in  qucftion  fcems  to  be 
plainly  calculated  to  induce  a  belief  of  inree 
things. 

ift.  ThattheEnglifh  form  of  government 
.has  no  wifdom  in  it,  and  that  it  is  by  no 
means  fo   conftrudlcd   as   to   produce  th« 

liappinefs 


happi 
of  all 

2d. 
mcnt 

conn* 
clare 
It 
that  1 
again 
glifh 
abufe 
is  in 
prom 
is  to 
ther 
it  W( 
crac) 
pabl< 
repri 
curd 
law 
and 

fcCMi 

fignj 

ing 

then 

ieati 

and 


s. 

the   fcnti- 
ift,  equally 
brought  to 
t  inftances, 
c   not   the 
irtue. — On 
5  oftencr  to 
lafs  in  every 
ted  and  de- 
ually  cslled 
with  more 
underfland- 
ter  acquain- 
le  focicty  in 

)o  often  fecn 
:lafs  of  life, 
le  time  they 
s  and  genius 
I  fhamefully 
mpt,  by  the 
f  ftile,  a  to- 
ling. 

feems  to  be 
elief  of  inree 

Fgovcrnmenl 

:  it  is  by  no 

produce  th« 

liappinefs 


R  A  T  I  O  N  A  L  I  S.        -jj 

happincfs  of  ths  people,  which  is  the  end 
of  all  good  govcrn?Tjent. 

2d.  That  monarchy  is  a  form  of  govern- 
ment inconfillcnt  with  tlu  will  of  Gjd. 

3d.  That  now  is  the  time  to  break  of  all 
connedion  with  Great  liritHin,  and  to  de- 
clare an  independence  of  the  Colonics. 

It  muft  be  obvious  to  erery  impartial  eye, 
that  the  author  reafons  from  the  abufes  of, 
againfl:  the  benefits   derived  from,  the  En- 
glish conftilution  ;  und  after  reciting  thcfe 
abufes  concludes,  vi-ry  unfairly,  that,    *'  it 
is  incapable  to   produce    what    it    icems  to 
promifc."— For  if  an  argument  of  this  fort 
is  to  be  received,  it  will  prove  p3rhap3   ra- 
ther more  than  the  author  would  choofc — 
it  would  even  prove  that  the  Jcvvidi  theo- 
cracy was  quite  as  improper,  and  as  inca- 
pable to  produce   what  it  aimed  at,  as  the 
reprobated  Englifh   government,     "ihe  re- 
curds  of  facred  hiftory  inform  us,    that  the 
law  was  given   to  the    people   ircm  God, 
and  that  the  great  Jthovah  himicU  conde- 
fcended  to  call  them  his  chofcn  people.    He 
fignally  interpofcd  in  their  bcl)alf  in  bring- 
ing  them    out   of  bondage,    in  prcfcrving 
them  from  the  rage  of  Pharoah's  army,  and 
ieating  them   in  a  land  flowing  with  miik 
and  honey,  under   hib  immediate  govern- 
ment 


yS        R  A  T  I  O  N  A  L  I  S. 

ment   and   laws,  "  wriUcii  with   hii  own 
finger." 

*'  And  he  will  love  ihce  and  blcfs  thcci 
and  multiply  thee:  he  will  alfo  blcfs  the 
fruit  of  thy  womb  and  the  fruit  of  thy  land, 
thy  corn  and  thy  wine,  and  thy  oil  j  the 
incrcaftf  of  thy  kinc,  and  the  flocks  of  thy 
Ihecp,  in  the  land  which  he  fware  unto  thy 
fathers  to  give  thee".     D«ut.  vii.  13. 

"  Thou  flialt  be  bleflfed  above  all  peoplf 
there  (hall   not  be  male  or  female  '.  ircn 
among  you,  or  among  your  cattle."   iJcut. 

vii.   14. 

But  what  efFeds  did  all  thefe  extraordi- 
nary  favors  and  promifes  of  the  Deity  him- 
fclf  produce  upon  that  wicked,  perverfe, 
lliff  necked  people  ?    Moles  tells  ihcm, 

*«  From  the  day  that  thou  didft  depart 
out  of  the  land  of  Egypt  until  ye  came  un- 
to this  place,  ye  have  been  rebellious  againft 
the  Lord."     Deut.  ix.  7. 

"  You  have  been  rebellious  againft  the 
Lord  from  the  day  that  I  knew  you.  Deut. 
ix.  24. 

Profane  as  well  as  facred  hiftory  informs 
us  of  the  incffeduality  cf  the  beft  govern- 
ments and  the  wileft  laws  among  a  corrupt, 
degenerate   people.     It   docs   not  regularly 

follow 


folio 

the 

owir 

this . 

this 

prop 

h'gif 

thini 

yet  s 

well 

peof 

auth 

dice 

and 

froir 

worl 

cf  fi 

the  I 

to  c\ 

man 

rime 

the  I 

find 

cont 

and 

tha^ 

to  (i 

befc 

beft 


s. 

L   hit  own 

blcfs  thcci 
)  blefs  the 
if  thy  land, 
y  oil  J  the 
Dcks  of  thy 
re  unto  thy 
.  13. 

all  peoplr 
lale  '•  ircn 
tic."   i:cut. 

e  extrr.ordi- 
Deity  him- 
d,  perverfe, 
3  ihcm, 

lidft  depart 
'e  came  un- 
lious  againft 

againft  the 
'  you.  Dcut. 

tory  informs 
bcft  govcrn- 
ig  a  corrupt, 
lot  regularly 
follow 


R  A  T  I  O  N  A  L  I  S. 


79 


follow,  that  if  the  people  are  not  hippy 
*!  ,\!lcr  an  exxelleht  form  of  civil  polity,  that 
the  fault  is  in  the  governnient,  it  may  be 
owing  to  the  corruption  of  the  people,  and 
this  1  take  to  be  the  c.\fo  in  Great  Britain  at 
this  day.  When  the  Britifh  parliament  is 
properly  balanced,  and  each  branch  of  the 
Ifgiflature  faithfn";  executes  its  duty,  1 
think  I  am  fife  in  aiiirming  there  was  never 
yet  a  form  of  gove-nment  in  the  world  (o 
well  calc'ilatM  for  the  happinefs  of  a  free 
people  as  this,  pnd  yet  we  are  told  by  the 
author  of  the  pumphlet,  that  the  ••  preju- 
dice of  Englifhmen  in  favor  of  King,  Lord' 
and  Commons,  ari(es  as  much  or  more 
from  national  pr'da  than  reafon."  The 
world  has  already  feen  numberlefs  inflances 
cf  fine  fpun  political  theories,  which,  like 
the  quackeries  c."  mountebank  dodors,  are 
to  cura  all  the  political  evils  to  which  hu- 
man nature  is  liable  — But  when  the  expe- 
riment is  made,  they  beccmc  aftonifhed  at 
t!ie  ill  fuccefs  of  '.cir  boafled  fchemes— they 
find  a  thoufand  I.tlc  paiiions  and  interefts 
continually  intcrfcririg  with  their  deiigns, 
and  at  length  retire  again  to  their  clofets, 
chagrined  they  had  not  thought  it  neceffary 
to  (ludy  the  great  volume  o*'  human  nature, 
before  they  verfurcd  to  fay  what  was  the 
befJ:  for  mankind. 

The 


ik 


m 


So 


k  A  T  I  O  N  A  L  I  S. 


Thr  author,  after  venting  his  fpleen  a- 
galijit  the  linglilh  form  of  government, 
(.ornes  next  to  conlider  ths  fubjcdt  of  ino- 
narchy  an^i  hiritiitary  fuccefTiOM  ;  i.i  treat- 
ing which  he  plainly  difcovers  the  utmort 
prep'  llcliion  in  favor  of  a  republic.  1  fliall 
not  Ibllow  him  through  his  fcriptiire  quo- 
tation?, which  he  has  fo  carefully  garbled 
to  anfvver  his  purpofc,  but  beg  leave  to  op- 
pnfc  fouie  aulhorit:  .s  to  it. 

The  cekbratcd  'i  rcnchard,  in  No.  60, 
of  Car.o's  Letters,  fayg,  **  There  is  no  go- 
vernment now  upon  earth,  which  owes  its 
formation  or  hegtuning  to  the  immediate 
revelation  of  Cod,  or  can  derive  its  cxift- 
cncc  from  fuch  revelation  :  It  is  cert-in,  on 
the  contrary,  that  the  rife  and  inftitution, 
«r  variation  of  government,  from  time  to 
time,  is  within  the  memory  of  men  or  of 
hiftories;  and  that  every  government  which 
we  know  at  this  day  in  the  world,  was 
ellablilhed  by  ihc  wifdom  and  force  of 
mere  men,  and  by  the  concurrence  of 
caufcs  evidently  human." 

*'  Nor  has  God  by  any  revelaticn  nomi- 
r.ated  mayiflrate^',  ihcwed  the  nature  or  ex- 
tent of  their  powers,  or  g'vcn  a  plan  of  ci- 
vil polity  for  mankind."  (Hutchefon's 
Moral  Philolbpbv.  p.  272.) 

«'  Thrc 


any 

rath 

adrr 

mar 

natu 

pror 

of  r 

mon 

fo  d 
t* 

his  e 

der  ( 

firft 

and 

Ehu( 

Elid 

Dav 

and 

Judj 

the 

the 

ofRl 

giftr 

thin 

mor 

to  SI 

the 

ovei 


n 


[S. 

lis  fplc-en  a- 
frovcrnment, 
jtdl  of  mo- 
n  ;  la  trciU- 
3  ithc  utmoft 
bite.  1  flv.'.ll 
ripture  quo- 
lully  garbled 
;  leave  to  op- 

,  in  No.   60, 
icre  is  no  go- 
l:i(:h  owes  its 
le  immediate 
rive  iis   cxift- 
is  <;ert-in,  on 
id  inftitution, 
Voni   time  to 
of  men  or  of 
•nment  which 
;   world,  was 
and    force  of 
(ncurrence   of 

k'elaliun  nonii- 
naiure  or  ex- 

1  a  plan  of  ci- 
(Hutchefon's 

««  There 


RATIONALIS. 


81 


I. 


"  7 here  heing  no  natural  or  divine  law  for 
my  form  of  government,  or  that  one  pcrlun 
rather  than  another  (hould  have  the  fovcrcign 
ftdminiftration  of  affairs,  or  have  power  over 
many  thoufand  diff<-  ent  families  who  arc  by 
nature  all   equal  ?,  of  the  fame  rank. 


promifcuoufly  boi 
of  nature,  and  to 
mon  faculticF,  tl  .i 
to  choofe  what  fo.  m 
«*  God'i  provider 


!!.(. 


he  fame  advantages 

u(.   of  the  fame  com- 

c  mankind  is  at  liberty 

jer nment  they  like." 

^ 01  permiffion  fuffered 

his  own  peculiar  people  the  Jews  to  b«  un- 
der divers  governments  at  divers  times;  as 
firfl:  under  patriarchs.  Abraham,  Ifaac, 
and  Jacob,  &c.  then  under  judges,  Olhniel, 
Ehud  and  Gideon  \  then  under  high-pricfts, 
Eli  and  Samuel  j  then  under  kings,  Saul, 
David  and  the  reft;  then  under  captains 
and  high  priefts  again,  "  as  Zerobabel, 
Judas  Maccabeus,  and  his  brethren)  and 
the  government  was  laftly  taken  from 
them,  and  they  brought  under  the  power 
of  Rome.  And  that  God  permits  fuch  ma- 
giftrate  or  magiftrates  as  the  community 
thinks  fit  to  approve,  is  plain  by  the  tcfti- 
mony  of  Holy  Scriptures }  when  God  faid 
to  Solomon,  *'  By  me  kings  rule,  evt^n  all 
the  judges  of  the  earth."    Prov.  viii.   16. 

«  When  the  fons  of  Samuel  were  judges 

over  Ifrael,  they  took  bribes  and  perverted 

L  judgment 


82 


RATIONALIS. 


ludgmenf,  therefore  the  ciders  of  IfracI  tic- 
fired  Samuel  to  make  them  a  king ;  and 
though  the  elders  are  only  mentioned  to 
have  p.flccd  a  king  of  Samufl,  they  (cem  to 
have  been  deputed  (Venn  the  whole  con- 
gregation ;  for  Cjod  faid  unto  S:imucl, 
"  Hearken  to  the  voice  oj  the  fe^ple  in  all  that 
they  jay  unto  thee."     i  Sam,  viii.  4,  7. 

••  ylnd  Sumu'ltold  the  people  the  manner  of 
the  kingdom,  and  ivrote  it  in  a  book,  and  laid 
it  up  be/ ere  the  Lord.  1  ^-am.  x.  25,  'Tis 
plain  the  manner  of  the  kingdom  lignifics 
the  conftituticn  of  the  government,  by 
which  was  meant  ihc  conditions  on  which 
Saul  was  to  be  king,  and  they  his  fubjedts  j 
for  though  God  h, id  given  him  the  croivn,  it 
was  to  rule  the  people  according  to  jurtitc 
and  laws." 

"  After  the  battle  between  Saul  and  the 
Ammonites,  Samuel  fiid  to  the  people,  Comey 
let  us  go  to  Gilgal  j  and  there  thy  made  Saul 
king  before  the  Lord.  1  Sam.  xi.  1,  5,  6, 
7,  14,  15.  New  therefore  behold  the  king, 
rvhom  ye  have  chofen,  and  behold  the  Lord 
hath  Jet  a  king  over  you,"  Sam.  chap.  12.  13. 

1  htrftf  laticr  quotations  are  t&ken  from  the 
great  LoidSomrners's  book  c?.lled  the  •*  Judg- 
ment of  whole  Kingdoms  and  Nations  con- 
cerning the  R'ghus  of  Kings  and  the  People." 
This  nobleman  was  Lord  high  chancellor 
of  England   in   King  William's  reign,  and 

was 


1 

i 

t, 
li 

I 

X' 

b 

n 
h 
a 

A 


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ill 
r( 
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ai 
tl 
tl: 
n 
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s. 


of  Ifracl  (Ic- 
I  king }  and 
Knt.oned  to 
they  Iccm  to 
whole  con- 
nto  S:imiicl, 
9p!einallthat 

iii.  4.  7' 

the  manner  of 

book,  and  laid 

X.  25.    'Tis 

»dom  lignifies 

crnmcnt,    by 

jns  on  which 

his  fubjedts  J 

the  crown,  it 

ing  to  jufticc 

I  Saul  and  the 
:  people,  Comcy 
thy  made  Saul 
I.  xi.   1,  5,  6, 
heho/d  the  king, 
)ehold  the  Lord 
.  chap.  12.  13. 
tf.ken  from  the 
Jedthe"Judg- 
i  Nations  con- 
d  the  People." 
ligh  chancellor 
Ill's  reign,  and 
was 


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Photographic 

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Collection  de 
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RATIONALIS. 


83 


was  remaikable  for  his  revolution-prid- 
cipks,  great  learning  and  unfhaken  inte- 
grity, in  public  and  private  life. 

It  does  therefore  from  the  roregoing  tcf- 
tinionies  appear,  that  monarchy  (cfpecially 
a  limited  one,  fuch  as  that  of  England) 
is  not  inconfiftent  with  the  Holy  Scriptures, 
as  is  fet  forth  in  faid  pamphlet,  bat  that  it 
is  as  ple^fiiig  to  the  Almighty,  if  agreeable 
to  the  people,  as  atjy  other  form  of  govern- 
ment, even  the  author's  beloved  republic. 

The  writer  next  proceeds  to  inform  bis 
readers  of  the  numerous  wars  and  fcenes  of 
blood  a6ed  in  England  under  their  kinj^s, 
nod  afleils  that  •'  Monarchy  and  fucwfjion 
have  laid  the  world  in  blood  and  afhes,  '-fis 
a  form  of  government  which  (he  word  of  God 
hears  tejlimony  againjiy  and  blood  will  attend  it." 
Here  are  bold  afltrtions  indeed.  To  the 
latter  part  I  have  already  endeavoured  to 
make  fome  reply,  (o  far  as  he  alfcirts  it  is 
contraiy  to  the  word  of  God  j  but  will  the 
author's  candor  permit  him  to  inform  his 
reader  of  the  infinite  diilradions  and  mif- 
chiefs  which  have  happenod  in  the  ancient 
and  modern  republics-— Under  this  form 
there  are  always  two  parties,  which  divide 
the  whole  body  of  the  pcopit*,  and  an  eter- 
nal warfare  fubfirts  between  il.cm  for  power. 
The  Conteji  is  dreadful  enough,  but  which 
foever  party  prevails^  there  is  no  rod  heavy 

cnou-^h 


H 


RATIONALIS. 


to 


enough,    no   fword   fufficiently   (hsrp, 

punirti  thofe  whom  they  h^ve  fubducd. . 

It  then  becomes  a  many  headed  monfter,  a 
tyranny  of  many. 

Ltt  any  man  read  with  an  unprejudiced 
eye  the  accounts  which  hiftorians  give  us 
of  the  famous  Giecian  Commonwealths, 
and  1  will  venture  to  fpeak  tor  him,  that 
he  will  not  beftow  great  commendations  on 

them. rhe  Athenians,  a  wile  and  po- 

liftied  people,  very  cf  en  banifhcd  their  beft 
citizens,  from  an  apprehenfion  of  their 
power— a  glorious  reward  for  a  virtuous  citi- 
zen, who,  as  was  the  cafe  in  more  inftances 
than  one,  had  prefcrvcd  his  country  from 
dcftrudtion.  In  the  latter  times  of  the  Cartha- 
ginian and  Roman  repubac,  what  ccnftant 
fcenes  of  blood  and  devaftation  does  hiftory 
preitat  Lc  u&—  1  he  multitude  in  a  perpetual 
^erment  like  the  ocean  in  a  ftorm — In  a 
torm  did  I  fay,— like  the  waters  of  the 
lea,  agitated  by  a  dreadful  whirlwnd,  no- 
thing but  the  fury  of  one  party  encounter- 
ing the  rage  of  another.- -Every  trace  of  hu- 
manity being  thus  loft,  men  change  their 
natures  and  become  as  fierce  and  favage  as 
wolves  and  tygcrs. 

But  let  us  defccnd  nearer  to  modern 
times — let  us  look  for  happinefs  and  fccuri- 
ty  in  the  republic  of  Holland,  fo  often  men- 
tioned, and  fo  little  known— let  us  recol- 


s. 

f  (hsrp,    to 

bducd. . 

1  monfler,  a 

inprcjadic^d 
sins   give  us 
Tjonwcalihs, 
r  him,  that 
endatiuns  on 
whe  and  po- 
icrd  their  bcft 
on  of    their 
virtuous  citi- 
>re  indances 
ountry  frum 
t  iheCaitha- 
rhat  ccnftant 
does  hiftory 
n  a  perpetual 
ftorm — In  a 
atcrs   of  the 
irlwnd,  no- 
y  encounter- 
trace  of  hu- 
change  their 
and  favage  as 

to  modern 
s  and  fecuri- 
b  often  men- 
let  us  recol- 


RATIONALIS.  85 

led  the  fate  of  the  two  brothers,  Cornelius 
and  John  de  Wit,  Dutch  minifters,  who 
were  maffacrcd  by  the  people  in  the  year 
1672.  Holland  iifclf,  from  being  a  repub- 
lic, is  become  a  downright  ariftocracy. 
Liberty  did  not  continue  long  in  that  coun- 
try, notwithftanding  the  blood  and  trcafure 
that  were  expended  to  acnuire  it.  The 
people,  fo  far  from  being  free,  have  had  no 
voice  for  many  years  part  in  the  elcdion  of 
perfons  to  reprefent  ihcm  in  the  States-Ge- 
neral, nor  have  they  any  tiling  to  do  in  the 
forming  of  laws  by  which  they  are  to  be 
g)verned.  Whenever  one  of  them  dies, 
tiie  vacancy  is  filled  up  without  any  inter- 
ference of  the  people,  and  this  important 
change  was  made  in  the  (late,  becaufe  of 
the  intolerable  feuds  and  animoficies  which 
attended  the  elections  of  reprefcntatives.  Had 
they  been  to  have  chofcn  a  king,  what 
dangerous  and  deflrudive  tumults  muft  it 
have  produced.  Founded  on  ths  woeful  ex- 
perience of  ages,  it  is  now  become  a  gene- 
ral fixed  opinion,  that  hereditary  is  prefer- 
able to  elective  monarchy,  on  account  of 
the  terrible  diforders,  outrages  and  confu- 
fion  which  ufually  attend  the  cledtion  of  a 
king;  a  pregnant  inftance  of  which,  in  cur 
times,  is  the  kmgdom  of  Poland. 

In  our  own  hiltory,  we  fee  what  was  the 
cffed  of  the  muqh  wilhtd  for  Common- 
wealth 


..^.■..vyrvifir^  iV^y^  ■■ 


86  RATIONALIS. 

wealth  after  the  death  of  the  tyrant  Charles 
—it  did  not  produce  liberty— it  prefently 
ended  in  arbitrary  power.  The  moment 
almoft  after  the  reins  of  government  fell 
from  Charles's  hands,  Cromwell  took  ihem 
up,  and  governed  the  nation  with  abfolut* 

fway.  ,         r   L 

1  cannot  agree  with  the  author  ot  the 
pamphlet  in  opinion,  that  this  is  the  time  to 
declare  an   independence  of  the  Colonics. 
This   ought  to   be    the  dernier    refort   of 
America.     Let  us  not  yet  lole  fight  of  the 
primary  objed  of  the  difpute,  namely,  a 
lafe,  honorable,  and    lading   reconciliation 
with   Great   Britain,  until   we  are  under  a 
necclTuy  of  doing  it.      If  an  advantageous 
accommodation    can    be   had,   and    a  free 
conaitution  for  this  country  be  eftr^bhOicd 
on  mutual  agreement  and  compad,    twill 
be  better  and  hr.ppier  for  us.     But  .f  juttice 
is  aiil  denied  us,  and   we  are  to  contend 
for  liberty  by  arms,  we  will  meet  ihcm  lu 
the   field,    and  try   our  manhood    againft 
them,  even  to  fpilling  the   blood  of  every 
brave  man  we  h;ive.     Should  the  miniftry 
have    recourfe    to    foreign    aid,    we   may 
poOibly  follow  their  example  j  and,  if  it  be 
elTential  then  to  our  fafety   to  declare  an 
Independence,  1  would  willingly  embrace 
the  rcceffity.  R  A  T  1  O  N  A  L  1  b. 

FINIS. 


•r 


S. 

rant  Charles 
-it  prefently 
he  moment 
irnment  fell 
I  took  ihem 
^ith  abfoluts 

ithor  of  the 
J  the  time  to 
le  Colonics. 
;r  refort  of 
fight  of  the 
;,  namely,  a 
econciliation 

are  under  a 
dvantageous 

and  a  free 
)e  eftsblifticd 
npad,  'twill 
But  if  juflice 
;  to  contend 
neet  ihcm  iii 
lood  againft 
cod  of  every 

the  miniftry 
id,     we    may 

and,  if  it  be 
o  declare  an 
igly  embrace 
0  N  A  L  1  S. 


C  A  T  O's  L  E  T  T  E  R  fdewg  his  Second) 
to  the  People  of  Pennsylvania. 

On  that  reception,  which  may  be  proper  for 
British  Commissioners,  -who  are 
at  prefent  (March  nth  \'jyG)  fuppofed 
on  their  Voyage,  to  treat  with  the  Honor- 
able, the   American   Continental 

Congress. JVith   fome   Obfervations 

Qgainjl  American  Independency. 

AS  I  propofe  to  take  my  fubjcds  as  they 
rife  out  of  the  times,  I  fl)all  leave  to 
my  next  letter  the  further  defence  of 
our  Affcmbly,  to  give  room  for  a  matter  of 
very  great  importance,  agreeable  to  what 
was  hinted  in  the  conclufion  of  my  firft  letter. 
The  account  which  we  have  already  re- 
ceived of  CommiJJionen  being  appointed  in 
England,  and  ready  to  embark  for  America, 
in  order  to  negociatc  a  fcttlement  of  the 
prefent  unhappy  differences,  has  engaged 
the  attention,  and  excrcifcd  the  fpeculaiions 
of  many  among  us.  The  powers  with 
which  they  are  to  be  invefted,  the  manner 
in  which  they  are  to  be  received,  how  they 
are  to  be  treated  with,  or  whether  they  are 
to  be  tieated  with  at  all,  have  been  can- 
vafied  agreeably  to  the  different  views  or 
judgments  of  individuals.  ry^^.v,5r     -v 

Among  others,  a  writer  under  the  figna- 
ture    of  CafTandra,    in     the   Pcnnfylvania 


THE     PEOPLE. 


SB         1*0 

Evening  Port  of  March  fifth,  has  held 
foiih  fcntimcnts  which  I  conceive  highly 
dilgraceful  to  America,  and  pcrnicio-js  to 
focicty  in  general.  He  pretends  to  have  (a- 
tlsficd  himicif  (but  upon  what  grountls  I 
know  not)  that  the  iole  view  of  admini- 
ftration  in  this  commilTion,  is  to  amufc  and 
deceive,  to  bribe  and  corrupt  us.  And  be- 
caule  he  fuppolts  all  of  us  (o  very  corrupti- 
ble, he  prrpofes,  by  way  of  prevention,  to 
fcifc  the  C(  moiiflioners  upon  their  firft  fel- 
ting foot  on  rhojc,  and  bring  them  imme- 
diately, under  a  ftrong  guard,  to  the 
Congress.  1  have  too  good  an  opinion 
of  the  virtue  and  good  fenfc  of  my  country- 
men, to  think  they  will  pay  any  other  re- 
gard to  this  advice,  than  to  confider  the 
author  as  an  eothufiaft  or  madman. 

The  conteft  in  which  we  arc  engaged  is 
founded  on  the  mod  noble  and  virtuous 
principles  which  can  animate  the  mind  of 
man.  We  are  contending,  at  the  ri|k  of 
our  lives  and  fortunes,  againft  an  arbitrary 
miniftry,  for  the  rights  of  Englishmen. 
The  eyes  of  all  Earopc  arc  upon  us,  and 
every  generous  bofom,  in  which  the  pulfc 
of  liberty  yet  beats,  fympathizes  with  us, 
and  is  interefted  in  our  fuccafs.  Our  caufc, 
therefore,  being  the  caufe  of  virtue,  it  will  _  ^^ 
be  expefted  that  all  our  fleps  (hould  be  ■  ^ 
guidedby  it,  and  that  where  the  ftock  IS  fo   ■    ^ 

fair,  the  fruit  will  be  proportionably  perfcft. 


t 

P 

a 

t( 
h 

c 
u 


O 

•  (• 

P 
|V 

\i 

tl 


a 


L  E. 


:h,   has   held 
ccivc    highly 
pernicious  to 
js  to  have  la- 
lat  grounds  I 
r  of  admini- 
to  amufe  and 
18.     And  be- 
;ery  corrupti' 
revention,  to 
their  firft  fcl- 
them  immc- 
ard,    to    the 
d  an  opinion 
"  my  country- 
any  other  re- 
con  fider  the 
man. 

irc  engaged  is 
and  virtuous 
the  mind  of 
,t  the  riik  of 
I  an  arbitrary 
Englifhmen. 
upon  us,  and 
lich  the  pulfc 
lizes  with  us* 
B.  Our  caufc, 
virtue,  it  will 
eps  (hould  be 
the  flock  is  fo 
inably  perfcft. 


t 
n 

P 
a 

t( 

h 


9 

'I 
% 
I 


tc 


TO     THi:     PEOPLE. 


89 


■la 

ily 
lu 
^- 
Sl 
li- 
i;d 
le- 
ti- 
to 
cl- 
ic- 
.hc 
on 

•y- 

rt- 

;hc 

[  is 

)US 

of 
of 
ary 
eih 
;nd 
I  He 
us, 
dc, 
viil 
be 


Let  us  nnt  diiappoint  thefe  fanguinc  ex- 
peditions by  t!ie  fmallcft  deviation  from 
thole  liberal  and  enlarged  fcntiments,  which 
fliould  mark  the  condu(5l  of  freemen  -,  and 
v.'h-^n  the  faithful  historic  page  fhill  re- 
cord the  events  of  this  GLORIOUS  STRUGGLR, 
may  not  :i  finglc  line  in  the  bright  annals  be 
ftained  by  ths  recital  of  a  difgraceful  adlioii, 
nor  future  Americans  have  caufc  to  bluHi 
for  the  failings  (-f  their  anceftors, 

I  truft  that  there  is  not  fuch  another  dar- 
kirian  among  us  as  Caflfandra.  I  am  furc 
there  are  none  fuch  among  our  favaga 
neighbours.  To  what  is  it  that  he  would 
pcrTuade  us  ?  To  receive  with  contempt, 
and  treat  with  infult,  men  commifHoncd 
to  negociate  with  us  about  matters  of  the 
highcfl:  concern  to  America,  and  at  leaji 
profejjing  peace-^Psrfum  cloathed  with  the 
charader  of  AmbafTadors,  which  has  been 
uniformly  c'fteemcd  facred  by  every  nation 
and  in  every  age  I 

Can  a  precedent  be  produced  in  any 
country  or  st  any  period  which  could  be 
propoled  for  our  imitation,  or  give  counte- 
nance to  fuch  a  proceeding  ?  Let  this  wri- 
i,?r  turn  over  the  volumes  which  eftablifli 
the  principles  of  the  Law  of  Nations.  Let 
him  fearch  the  hiftory  of  every  ftate  both 
ancient  and  modern,  civilized  and  uncivilizedj 
he  will  find  none  fo  fierce  and  rude  as  not 
to  reverence  the  rights  of  AmbafTadors,  and 

M 


0^ 


c 


o 


confi  'cr  any  ir-fult  of  ihcir   pcrfons  as  th; 
proflToft   ouirai;c  tint  c-)uUl   be  committed. 
Nuy,  let  him  "enquire  amon;;  the  niimcroui 
tribes  of  Indians  that  furroiiiul  our  fionticrf, 
for  fome   example   to  countenance  him  iu 
his     propoAil  ?     Theftt    untutored   favages 
would   llartlc  at  the  quenion,   and   wonder 
that  there  cculd  be  a  pcrf  n   fo  ignorant  n 
not  to  know  that  pud/ic  mrffen^ers,  with  the 
Calumet   in   their  hands,  are  entitled  to 
audlcncr,    refpedt    ai'.d   h')f;jitality.       Ami 
CiuW  Americans,   glorying  in   ihcir  attach- 
mirnt  to  the  rights  cf  humanity,  be  the  firft 
to  vi(.late  obligatior^s  which  have  been  thus 
unlverfally  held  lacrcd  ?    N-j  I   L.t  us  never 
give  that  advantage  to  thofe  who  have  been 
driving  to  excite  the  iniiignation  of  mankind 
a^a>nft    us  as    faiihlefs   people,   ferociouf, 
baibarous,  and    uninfluenced  by  thufc  hu« 
mane  (entiment§  and  finer  feelings,   which, 
in  modern  times,  have,    in   fome  meafure, 
foftened  the  horrors   of  war.     Wc    know 
that  fuch  a  charge   is  as  malicious  as  it  is 
groundlcis.      Indances   enough    might   be  I 
produced  to  refute  it,  fmce  this  contelk  was 
carried  on  by  arms  j  and  I  truft  no  future 
ones  will  be  found  wiuch  might  have  a  tcn- 
dtncy  to  iupport  it. 

As  we  have  long  profcflcd  an  ardent  dc- 
fut  of  peace,  let  us  meet  thole  who  bring 
the  terms,  with  that  virtuous  confidence, 
which  is  infcparable  from  an  upright  con- 


t!i;s 


To     THt     PEOPLE. 


91 


crfons  as  th; 
:  committed. 
he  niiincroui 
our  I'lonticrf, 
iancc  liim  i;i 
torcd    fiiVDgtfi 

and  wonder 
b  ignorant  a< 
trSt  with  the 
ire  entitled  to 
tality.       And 

ihcir  attach- 
y,  be  the  firft 
ave  been  thus 

L.t  us  never 
ho  have  been 
)n  of  mankind 
le,  fcrociout, 
by  thufe  hu« 
lingj,  which, 
ome  meafurc, 
Wc  know 
licious  as  it  is 
»h  might  be . 
tis  coated  was 
ruft  no  future 
ht  have  a  tcn- 

an  ardent  dc- 
»le  who  bring 
Lis  confidence, 
I  upright  con- 


(lii(^.  Let  us  h^ar  thrir  p-ojofalf  wit'i 
pitience,  and  coifider  tlirm  with  candor; 
remembering  h  w  wCcply  tlie  happinefs 
of  miilions  may  be  concerned  in  the  illu?. 
If  what  iluy  cffcr  be  fu^jh  t^  freemen  ought 
to  accept,  my  voice  flnll  be  for  an  inxnc- 
diate  rtcunciiiaiion  ;  a'?  1  know  of  n  >  objctft 
fo  worthy  of  a  p*alri(it  as  the  healing  our 
wound;',  and  the  reftoring  of  peacir,  if  it 
his  for  i:6  bafis  an  effcLJual  (ccutiiy  for  the 
liberties  vi /liner ica.  If  on  the  contra  y, 
the  terms,  which  may  be  offbreJ,  IIjouUI 
be  fuch  as  we  cannot  accept,  wc  have  only 
to  fay  f),and  thcnt-goclation  will  be  at  mi  end. 

But  this  writvr  is  greatly  concernod  for 
cur  virtue,  left  wc  Huuld  be  cij-jltd,  de- 
ceived, and  corrupted.  1  confcfs  tli-fj 
fancies  nppcar  to  me  f)  groundlclJ,  thu  I 
.fufpcd  their  reality.  Is  it  pofilble,  in  goo  I 
earncfl  to  entertain  fo  ill  an  opinion  of  ihofc, 
who  have  ft:ikcd  their  lives  and  fortunes  0:1 
this  conteft,  as  to  believe  tlv.it  th.y  will 
fuffer  themfelvcs  to  b:  flattered  out  of  their 
liberties,  or.  induced  to  (=11  ih-ir  birthiit^ht 
for  a  vufs  of  pottage.  ? 

When  1  confidcr  that  this  treaty  is  to  b.T 
managed,  on  the  part  of  America,  by  men 
del-gated  for  their  integrity  and  abiliiits  by 
the  voice  of  their  country,  I  Jccl  myi'eif 
quite  eafy  on  that  Icore.  If  the  fthemc  of 
the  minidiy  be  to  try  the  nrH  of  arrupticny 
where  their  ar:nb  cannot  prcviil,  there  an? 


9  2 


O 


'iww 


other  and  lefs  fufplcious  ways  of  carrying 
it  into  execution,  than  by  Comm:flioners, 
in  the  face  of  America,  where  they  will 
have  the  eyes  of  all  fixed  upon  them,  and 
their  condud  diligently  watched  and  fe- 
verely  (crutinized. 

Upon   the   whole,    it  appears   that  this 
writer  is  more  an  enemy  to  the  bufincfs  on 
which  the  Commiflioners  are  to  be  fcnt  than 
really  apprehenfive   for  our   virtue.       Ih 
fcems  to  have  drank  deep  of  the  cup  of  inde- 
pendency  \  to  be  inimical  to  whatever  carries 
the  appearance  of  peace ;  and  too  ready  to 
facrifice  the  happinefs  of  a  great  Continent 
to  his  favourite  plan.     Among  fuch  writers 
I  pretend  not  toclafs  myfelf  $  for  1  am  bold 
to  declare,  and  hope  yet  to  make  it  evident 
to  evcr>  honeft  man,  that  the  true  intereft 
of  America  licb  in  reconciliation  with  Great- 
Britain,  upon  coijlitutional  principles,  and  I 
can  truly   fay,    1   wiib   it   upon   no  oihtr 
terms. 

Why  the  many  publications  in  favor  of 
independency,  with  which  our  prcflcs  have 
lately  groaned,  bave  paff^d  hitherto  unno- 
ticed, I  am  not  able  to  determine.  But 
there  are  certainly  times  when  public  affairs 
become  fo  intcrefting,  that  every  man  be- 
comes a  debtor  to  the  community  for  his 
opinions,  cither  in  fpeaking  or  writing. 
Perhaps  it  was  thought  bed,  where  an  ap- 
peal was  pretended  to  be  made  to  the  Com- 


s  of  carrying 
;mmiflioners, 
re  they  will 
n  them,   and 
lied  and   fe- 
ars  that  this 
e  bufincfs  on 
3  be  fcnt  than 
virtue.       Ih 
e  cup  of  inde- 
latever  carries 
I  too  ready  to 
cat  Continent 
;  fuch  writers 
for  1  am  bold 
akc  it  evident 
;  true  intereft 
n  with  Great- 
incipki,  and  I 
pon   no  oihtr 

ns  in  favor  of 
r  prcflcs  have 
ntherto  unno- 
Lermine.  But 
1  public  affairs 
very  man  bc- 
nunity  for  his 
nr  or  writing. 
where  an  ap- 
)  to  the  CoM- 


TO      THE      P   E    O    P    L    E. 


93 


MON  Sense  of  this  country,  to  Icav 
people  tor  a  while  to  the  free  cxcrcifc  of 
that  good  underftanding  which  they  arc 
known  to  poflcfs.  Thofe  who  made  the 
appeal  have  little  caufc  to  triamph  in  its 
fuccefs.  Of  this  they  fecm  fenfible;  and, 
like  true  quacks  are  conftamly  peftcring  us 
with  their  additional  dofcs,  till  the  ftomachs 
of  their  patients  begin  wholly  to  revolt.  If 
little  notice  has  yet  been  taken  of  the  pub- 
lications concerning  independence,  it  is 
neither  owing  to  the  popularity  ot  the  doc- 
trine, the  unanfwerabie  nature  of  the  argu- 
ments, nor  the  fear  of  oppoling  them,  as 
the  vanity  of  the  authors  would  fuggcft.  I 
am  confidentjthat  nine-tenths  of  the  people 
of  Pennfylvania,  yet  abhor  the  dodrine. 

it  wc  look  back  to  the  origin  of  Cv^ 
prefent  eontroverfy,  it  will  appear  that  fome 
among  us  at  leaft,  have  been  conftir.tiy  en- 
larging their  views,  and  ftretching  thcni 
beyond  their  firft  bounds,  till  at  Icngih 
they  have  wholly  changed  their  ground. 
From  the  claim  of  Parliament  to  tax  us, 
fprung  the  firft  refiftance  on  our  part.  Be- 
fore that  unjuft  claim  was  fel  on  foot,  not 
an  individual,  not  one  of  all  the  profound 
legiflators  with  which  this  country  abounds, 
ever  held  out  the  idea  of  independence, 
'Ve  confidered  our  connection  with  Great- 
Britain  as  our  chief  happinefs— we  flourish- 
ed, grew  rich,  and  populous,  to  a  degree 


X  . 

I: 


li 
If 


■V-  ■•- -• — 


mnmyfg^^y^Tf-" 


94 


C       A 


o 


rot  to  be  paralleled  in  hiftory.  Let  us  then 
aa  the  paft  of  (kilful  phificianf,  and  wife- 
ly adapt  the  remedy  to  the  evil. 

Poffibly  fome  men  may  have  harboured 
the  idea  of  independence  from  the  begin- 
ning of  this  controverfy.  Indeed  it  was 
ftro^'ngly  fufpeaed  there  were  individuals 
"hofe  view8  tended  that  way  j  but  «  the 
fcheme  was  not  fufficiently  npcncd,  it  was 
reckoned  flanderous,  inimical  to  Amenca. 
and  what  not,  to  intimate  the  leaft  fufpicion 

of  this  kind.  ,     r  3  r 

Nor  have  many  weeks  yet  elapfcd  fince 
the  firft  open  propofition  for  independence 
vvas  p-.bli(hed  .othe  world.-By  «h«  men 
of  confequence  this  fcheme  is  (uppor  ed,  or 
whether  by  any.  may  poffibly  be  the  fubjea 
Tf  future  enquiry.-Ccrt^inly  it  has  ,,0  coun . 
ZLcc  from  the  Congreft.  .0  «ho.e  fen..- 
mcnts  wc  look  up  with  reverence.    On  the 

contrary,  it  is  ^"^^^y /TflTLTl 
d-claraiion  of  that  refncaab  e  body.  1 
t'ould  be  nccdleft  to  quote  p.rt.cular  pnffages 
Tn  proof  of  .'..is,  .".s  they  are  .0  be  met  w,.h 
i-  alrroft  every  paqe  ot  their  proceeding,-.  1 
wilrefcr  to  a'frw^nly.vi*.  their  Reio  yes, 

March  5.  ir/s-'""' ;?"'""," ?„'.^  Lt 

—their  Addrels  to  the  King,  July  8— the.r 
Letter  to  the  Lord  Mayor  of  London-and 
mote  efpccially  their  Declaration  for  a  hn, 
W  '2^  in  which  with  the  d.epea  marks 
if  nnccrity  they  call  upon  all  America  tP 


m 


■^^!pi,i  j!UpyM'*W'J^*j>i'i-yMW.jgtTiw;pw' 


It 


TO     THE     PEOPLE. 


95 


Let  us  then 
,  and  wifc- 

harbourcd 
1  the  begin- 
decd  it  was 

individuals 

J  but  ?.s  the 

;ncd,  it  was 

;o  America, 

saft  fufpicioa 

elapfed  fince 
ndependence 
ly  what  men 
(upported,  or 
ic  the  fobjed 
has  no  coun* 
whole  fenti- 
nee.    On  the 
r.ant  to  every 
Ic   body.      If 
icular  pr.ffages 
)  be  met  with 
■oceedings.    I 
heir  Relolves, 
ation,  July  6- 
July  8— their 
London— and 
lion  for  a  fart, 
dccpeft  marks 
ill  America  tp 


join  with  them  in  addrefllng  the  great  Gj- 
vernor  of  the  World — •'  humbly  befesch- 
"  inj;  him  to  avert  the  dcfolatiDg  judgments 
*'  with  which  vvc  are  threatened,  to  blefs 
**  cur  rightful  Sovereign,  &2-— -that  fo 
*'  America  may  foon  behold  a  gracious  in- 
**  terpolitlon  of  Heaven  for  the  rediefs  of 
"  her  many  grievances,  the  rcfturation  of 
"  her  invaded  rights,  and  reconciliation 
"  with  the  parent  ftate,  on  terms  con- 
*'  ftitutional  and  honorable  to  both/' 
Will  any  one  be  fo  hardy  as  to  fay, 
that  cither  the  appointment  or  obfervation 
of  this  folemn  day  was  a  mere  mockery  of 
Heaven  and  earth,  or  even  that  any  Ameri- 
cau  joined  in  it,  who  was  not  fmcere  ?-— I 
truft  not.  But  if  multiplying  authorities 
v.'ere  of  any  ufe,  I  might  add  the  fentiments  of 
our  own  reprefentativcs  in  aflembly  expref- 
fed  in  the  inftrudions  to  their  Delegates  j 
the  fentiments  of  Maryland  in  fimilar  in- 
ftrodions  j  the  Refolves  of  New  Jcrfey  and 
New-Hamp(hire }  norfliall  the  much  injur- 
ed province  of  Maflachuktts  Biy  be  left  out 
of  the  catalogue,  whofc  Provincial  Congrefs, 
while  yet  bleeding  with  the  wounds  receiv- 
ed at  Lexington,  thus  addrefTrd  the  inhabi- 
tants of  Great  Britain — *'  Thefe  are  marks 
"  of  miniftcrial  vengeance againftthis  Colony, 
"but  they  have  not  yet  detached  us  from 
*•  our  royal  Soversign,  &c.  trufting  that  in 
"  a  conjiitutional  connedlion  with  the  mother 


-•T^' 


96 


CATO    TO    THE    People." 


I 
I 


«'  country,  we  (hall  foon  be  a  free  and  happy 
people."  Thefe  were  the  fcntiments  of  the 
Colony  of  the  Mallachuletts,  figncd  by  that 
great  Martyr  to  Liberty.  Dr.  Warren,  and 
foon  after  fcaled  with  his  blot-d.  ^ 

The  fcntiments  of  fundry  other  Colonies 
m^sht  b;  fliewn  to  have  corrcCponded  wuh 
iheie.— But  this  letter  has  already  reached 
its  full  length.     1   Ihall   take  lome  future 
opportunity    to    examine     the    arguments 
which  have  been  offered  to  induce  a  change 
of  thefe  fentimentSi  and  upon  the  whole  I 
doubt  not  to  make  it  appear  that  independence 
is  not  the  caufe  in  which  America  is  now 
engaged,  and  is  only  the  idol  of  ihofe  who 
with  to  fubvert  all  order  among  us,^  and  rile 
on  the  ruins  of  their  ctuntry  !       C  A  T  O. 

Philadelphia,  March  uth,  1776. 


'Jujprh,u.'  •ndpulUJhed,   at  the  defire  of  A'Viral  Member, 
cftbe  ^le  the  Continental  Cortgrefs,  ant  Jomt  of  the 

Military  0/  the  H£cciation,  and  is   no'w   Jelhng 

ByROi      -T   B\'.LU  Vxmw  in^rhirdjireet, 
(Price  ^hree  VoUars,   t-uo  volumes,  in  neat  bindings.) 

TH  E  M I  LI  T  A  R  Y  G  U  I  D  E  for  YOU  N  G 
OFFICERS,  by  THOMAS  SIMES.  Efq.  This  work 
is  a  large  and  valuable  compilation  from  the  moS  cele- 
brated tnilicarv  writcrs-M.irfhal  Saxe-Gcceral  Bland-- 
Kin.^  Of  Prjffia-Prince  Ferdinand,  &c  &c.  Containing 
the  experience  of  many  brave  heroes  in  critical  fituations, 

for  the  ufe  of  young  warriors;  J"^>"''i??.^^"  ''L"'^"' 
military,  hiftorical  and  explanatory  DICTIONARY.  10 
which  is  now  added,  cxtrads  from  a  military  effay,  oontajn; 
ing  refleaions  on  the  raifing,  arming,  cloathing  and  d!  - 
cipline  of  the  Briiilh  infantry  and  cavalry.  By  Campbell 
Dalrymple,  Ef(^ ;  Ueutenar.t  ColoneJ  to  the  King  s  own 
regiment  of  dragoons.  The  whole  is  illuftrated  with  Eleven 
Copper-plates. 


c 

C 

0 
t 

ti 
1; 

P 

C( 

tl 

g 
at 

ti 

ti; 

pi 

ts 


3PLE. 


:  and  happy 
ients  of  the 
ncd  by  that 
LRREN,  and 


er  Colonies 
onded  with 
ady  reached 
ome  future 
arguments 
ce  a  change 
the  whole  I 
dependence 
lerica  is  now 
)i  ihofe  who 
'  us,  and  rife 

'  cato. 


■  fiiieml  Members 
0,  (tn.i/ome  of  the 
{   is    tiozv    JelUtig 
'hirdftrttt, 
neat  bindings.) 

FOR  YOUNG 
J,  Efq.  This  work 
m  the  moft  ccle- 
Geceral  Eland— 
&c.  Containing 
critical  fatoations, 
liD<»  an  excellent 
TIONARY.  To 
ary  effay,  oontain- 
doathing  and  dif- 
ry.  By  Campbell 
to  the  King's  own 
lUated  with  Eleven 


0 

C 

0 

C 

tl 

i; 
p 

C( 

ti 
g 

at 
ti 
til 

P' 


y 

e 
It 
d 


re 
:I 
bo 


the 
lifg 


40 

«le- 

leat 
To 

tain* 

dtf. 

ibcli 

own 

ievcR 


■'■I 


M 


;  > 


y 

e 


h 


re 


:I 
ce 
)«^ 
|o 
fe 
X 


fri 
the 
ling 

> 

rotk 

oni> 
teat 

taiii' 
dif- 

|>b«U 
own 

leven 


Extrafl,  from  the  Journal  of  the  proceedlngi.'  of  the  ho- 
norable the  American  Continental  Congrefs,  helcf  at 
Philadelphia,  September  fifth  1774.  Being  that  part 
of  their  Addrefs  to  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Province  of 
Quebec,  which  enumerates,  the  glorious  rights  of 
JEnglilhmen,  and  Lngliflt  fubjefts: 

Among   which    are    included, 

THE    LIBERTY    OF    THE    PRESS. 

"The  Committee,  to  whom  the  Addrefs  to  the  Inhabitatits 
of  Quebec  was  recommitted;  reported  a  draught,  which 
was  read,  and  being  debated  by  Paragraphs  and  amen* 
ded,  was  approved,  and  is  as  follows . 

To  THE   INHABITANTS 
DF  THE  Province  of  QJJEBEC. 

Friends  and  Fel/ou'-SuiiJeSfs, 

WE,  the  DELEGATES  of  the  Colo- 
nies of  New-Hamp(hire,  Mallachu- 
fctts-Bay,  Rhodt-Ifland  and  Provi- 
dence Plantations,  Connedicut,  New- 
York,  New-Jerfey,  Pennfylvania,  the 
Counties  of  Newcaftle  Kent  and  SufTex 
on  Delaware,  Maryland,  Virginia,  North- 
Carolina,  and  South  Carolis^,  deputed  by 
the  inhabitants  of  the  faid  Colonics  to  repre- 
fcnt  them  in  a  general  Congrefs  at  t»hiladel- 
phia,  in  the  province  of  Pennfylvania,  to 
confult  together  cfincerning  the  beft  nic- 
thods  to  obtain  redrefs  of  our  afflidling 
grievances,  having  accordingly  aflembled, 
and  taken  into  our  moft  ferious  confidera- 
tion  the  ftatc  of  public  affairs  on  this  con- 
tinent, have  thought  proper  to  addrefs  your 
province,  as  a  member  therein  deeply  in- 

tcroftcd." 

-    '  •'  When 


|. 


.1B,7 


THE  American  Congress  on  the 

««  When  the  fortune  of  war,  after  a  gal- 
lant and  glorious  rciiftancc,  had  incorpo- 
rated you  with  the  body  of  Englifli  fub- 
jetfts,  we  rejoiced  in  the  truly  valuable  ad- 
dition, both  on  our  own  and  your  account  j 
cxpeaing,  as  courage  and   generoGty  arc 
naturally  united,  our  brave  cnennies  would 
become  our  hearty   friends,  and  that  the 
Divine  Being  would  blefs  to  you  the  difpen- 
fations  of  his  over-ruling  providence,  by 
feciiring  to  you  and  your  latcft  poAerity  the 
ineftimable  advantages  of  a   free    Erighfti 
conftitution  of  guvernnient,  which  it  is  the 
privilege  of  all  Englilh  fubjeds  to  enjoy. 

««  Thefe  hopes  were  confirmed  by  the 
King's  proclamation,  iffued  in  the  year 
1763,  plighting  the  public  faith  for  your 
full  enjoyment  of  thofe  advantages." 

''Little  did  wc  imagine  that  any  fucceed- 
ing  minifters  would  fo  audacloufly  and  cru- 
elly abufc  the  royal  authority,  as  to  with- 
hold from  you  the  fruition  of  the  irrevoca- 
ble rights,  to  which  you  were  thus  jultly 

entitled."  ,       /•      l 

««  But  fince  wc  have  lived  to  fee  the  unex- 
peacd  time,  when  minifters  of  this  flagi- 
fious  temper  have  dared  to  violate  the  moft 
facred  compads  and  obligations,  and  as 
vou,  educated  under  another  forin  of  go- 
vernment, have  artfully  been  kept  froiii  dif- 
covering  the  unfpeakable  worth  of  that  form 
you  are  now  undoubtedly  cniitled  to,  wc 
iftccm  it  our  duty,  for  the  weighty  reafon 


<( 


ON    THl 

after  agaU 
id  incorpo- 
inglifli  fub- 
aiuable  ad- 
ur  account; 
rterofity  arc 
imies  would 
id  that  the 
I  th€  difpen- 
vidcncc,  by 
pofterity  the 
rce    Englifti 
lich  it  is  the 
i  to  enjoy." 
led   by    the 
in    the   year 
ith  for  your 
itages." 
any  fucceed- 
jfly  and  cru- 
,  as  to  with" 
the  irrevoca- 
5  thus  juftly 

fee  the  unex- 
of  this  flagi- 
latc  the  moft 
ons,  and  as 
form  of  go- 
ept  from  dif- 
1  of  that  form 
litled  to,  we 
jighty  reafon 


RIGHTS    OF     ENGLISHMEN* 

herein  after  mentioned,  to  explain  to  yoi», 
fome  of  its  mofl:  important  branches." 

«*  In  every  human  fociety,"  fays  the  ce- 
lebrated Marquis  Beccaria,  **  there  is  an 
ffor/,  continually  tending  to  confer  on  one 
part  the  hcighth  of  power  and  happinefs, 
and  to  reduce  the  other  to  the  extreme  of 
weaknefs  and  mifcry.  The  intent  of  good 
laws  is  to  oppofe  this  effort,  and  to  dittufe 
their  influence  univerfally  and  equally." 

••  Rulers,  ftimulatcd  by  this  pernicious 
•*  effort,"  and  fubjcds,  animated  by  the  juft 
"  intent  of  oppofing  good  laws  againfl  it," 
have  occafiioncd  that  vaft  variety  of  events, 
that  fill  the  hiftories  of  fo  many  nations. 
All  thefe  hiftories  demonftratc  the  truth  of 
this  fimplc  pofition,  that  to  live  by  the  will 
of  one  man,  or  fet  of  men,  is  the  produc- 
tion of  mifery  to  all  men." 

"On  the  folid  foundation  of  this  principle, 
Englifhmen  reared  up  the  fabriclc  of  their 
conftitution  with  fuch  a  ftrength,  as  forages 
to  defy  time,  tyranny,  treachery,  internal  and 
foreign  wars ;  And  as  an  illuftrious  author 
(Montefquieu)of  your  nation, hereafter  men- 
tioned, obferves.-T-  **  they  gave  the  peo- 
ple of  their  colonies  the  form  of  their  own 
government,  and  this  government  carrying 
profperity  along  with  it,  they  have  grovi'n 
great  nations  in  the  forefts  they  were  lent  to^ 
inhabit." 


I 


111' 


THE  American  Congre68  on  tub 

•'In  this  form,  the  firft  grand  right  is  that 
of  tlic  people  having  a  (hare  in  thoir  own 
government  by  their  rcprcfentativcs  chofcn 
hy  iliemfelves,  and,  in  confcqucncc,  of  be- 
ing ruled  by  laws^  which  they  themfelvcs 
approve,  not  by  edicis  of  n^n  over  whom 
they  have  no  controul.  This  is  a  bulwark 
lurn-unding  and  defending  their  property, 
which  by  their  honcft  cares  and  labours  they 
have  acquired,  fo  that  no  portions  of  it  can 
legally  be  taken  from  them,  but  with  their 
own  full  and  free  confcnt,  when  they  in 
their  judgment  deem  it  juft  and  neccflary 
to  give  them  for  public  fervices,  and  pre- 
cifeiy  dircdl  the  eafieft,  cheapefl,  and  moft 
equal  methods,  in  which  they  (hall  be  col- 

hded." '■        * 

•♦The  influence  of  this  right  extends  ftill 
farther.  If  money  is  wanted  by  rulers  who 
have  in  any  manner  opprclFed  the  people^ 
they  may  retain  it,  until  their  grievances  ar(j 
rerirtfied,  and  thus  peaceably  procure  relief, 
without  trufting  to  dcfpifed  petitions,  or  dif- 
turbing  the  public  tranquillity." 

<«  The  next  great  right  is  that  of  trial  by 
iu'y.  This  piovidGSj  that  neither  life,  li- 
bcity  nor  property  can  be  taken  from  the 
pcflcfibr,  until  twelve  of  his  unexceptiona- 
ble countiymen  and  peers,  of  his  vicinage, 
vvho  frcm  that  neighbourhood  may  reafona- 
bly  be  fuppoled  to  be  acquainted  with  hii 
thaiiidlcr,  and   the   cbaradeis  of  the  wit- 


ON    TUK 

right  is  that 
)  thoir  own 
itivcs  chofcn 
icncc,  of  bc- 
r  ihcmfelvcs 

over  whom 
is  a  bulwark 
eir  property, 
labours  they 
ons  of  it  can 
jt  with  their 
^hen  they  in 
ind  neccfTary 
:es,  and  pre- 
([,  and  mofl 

(hall  be  col- 

.  .  .  * 

;  extends  ftill 
y  rulers  who 
1  the  people^ 
;rievances  ar(i 
rocure  relief, 
itions,  or  dif- 

»at  of  trial  by 
ithcr  life,  li- 
en from  the 
luexccptiona- 
his  vicinage, 
may  reafona- 
itcd  with  his 
of  the  wit- 


RIGHT3    OF  englishmen; 

ncffes,  upon  a  fair  trial,  and  full  enquiry 
face  to  face,  in  open  court,  before  as  many 
of  the  people  as  chufc  to  attend,  (hall  pafs 
their  fentencc  upon  oath  againft  him  j  a 
fcntencc  that  cannot  injure  him,  without 
injuring  their  own  reputation,  and  probably 
ihcir  intcreft  alfo ;  as  the  queQion  may 
turn  on  points  that,  in  lomc  degree,  con- 
cern the  general  welfare  j  and  it  it  docs 
uot,  their  verdid  may  form  a  precedent, 
that,  on  a  fimilar  trial  of  their  own,  may 
militate  againft  themlclves." 

"Another  right  relates  merely  to  the  liber- 
ty of  the  perfon.  If  a  fubjcdt  is  feizsd  and 
imprifoncd,  though  by  order  of  govern- 
Oient,  he  may,  by  virtue  of  this  right,  im- 
mediately obtain  a  writ,  termed  a  Habeas 
Corpus,  from  a  judge,  whole  (worn  duty  it 
\i  to  grant  it,  and  thereupon  procure  any 
illegal  reftraint  to  ba  quickly  enquired  into 
and  redrelTed." 

"A  fourth  right  is  that  of  holding  lands  by 
the  tenure  of  eafy  rents,  and  nut  by  rigorous 
and  oppreflive  fervices,  frequently  forcing 
the  pofTtflbrs  from  their  families  and  their 
bufmefs,  to  perform  what  ought  to  be  done, 
in  all  well  regulated  ftates,  by  men  hired 
for  the  purpofe." 

"The  laft  right,  we  (InW  mention,  regards 
the  freedom  of  the  prcfs.  The  importancq 
of  this  confifts,  befidcs  the  advancement  of 
jruibj  fcience,  morality,  and  arts  in  gene- 


r! 


Til*  American  Conoriis,  on  the 
RIGHTS     OK     ENGLISHMEN. 

rai.  in  ht  difFofion  of  liberal  fcniimcnts  on 
the  admiiiillration  of  government,  Its  ready 
communication  of  thoughts  between  fub- 
jcdU,  and  its  confcqucntial  promotion  of 
union  among  them,  v- hereby  opprcflivc 
ofikcrs  are  fliamed  or  infijriiJited  into  more 
honorable  and  jn'^.  ui^J'.^i  of  conducing 
affairs." 

"Thefear-  the  inva»i.ible  rights, that  form 
a  confidura' '  .!t  of  our  mild  fyflem  of  go- 
vcrnm>-ntj  tliat,  fcndinf»  its  equitable  ener- 
gy through  all  ranks  and  clafles  of  men,  dc- 
icnds  the  poor  from  the  rich,  the  weak  from 
the  powerful,  tl>e  induftrious  from  the  ra- 
pacious, t'lr  peaceable  from  the  violent, 
the  tenants  from  the  lords,  and  all  from 
their  fupcriors." 

"  Thcfe  are  the  rights,  without  which  a 
people  cannot  be;  free  and  happy,  and  un- 
der the  proteding  and  encouraging  influence 
of  which,  thcfc  colonies  have  hitherto  fo 
amazingly  flouri(hcd  and  incrcafcd.  Thefe 
arc  the  rights,  a  profligate  miniflry  arc  now 
lUiving,  by  force  of  arms,  to  ravirti  from 
us,  and  which  we  arc,  with  one  mind,  re- 
lolvcd  never  to  refigti  but  with  our  lives." 

"These  are  the  rights,  YOU  are 

^ITI.t.'  O,    AND     OUGHT     AT     THII 

MOMENT  IN  PERFECTION  TO  EXERCISE.", 


A 


P] 


I 


A 


C    I 


Are  c 
is  I 
rec( 
and 

Wrii 

The 

pre 

to 
Qiioti 

to 

Ma 


?rint< 


S,   ON    Tlir 

S  H  M  E  N. 

jntimcnts  on 
!nt,  its  ready 
actwccn  fub- 
romotion  ct 
17  opprcflivc 
:cd  into  more 
conduding 

iits, that  form 
Cydcm  of  go- 
[uitabic  cncr- 
of  men,  de- 
le weak  from 
from  the  ra- 
the violent, 
md  all  from 

tout  which  a 
ppy,  and  un- 
»ing  influence 
e  hitherto  fo 
afed.  Thefe 
liftry  arc  now 
D  ravifh  from 
nc  mind,  re- 
i  our  lives." 

s,  You  ARE 
T  AT  Tllli 
I  EXERCISE." 


ADDITIONS 


T    0 


PLAIN   1  RUTH; 


ADURISiED     to    TlIC 


INH  AB  ITANTS 

O     F 

AMERICA, 

Containing,  farther  Remark j 

ON    A    LATE    P  A  M  .'  H  L  E  T, 
entitled 

COMMON      SENSE; 

WHEREIN, 

Are  clearly  and  fully  (hewn,  that  Amcrics  Independence, 
is  as  illufory,  ruinous,  and  impradlical  ",  as  a  liheral 
reconciliation  with  Great  Britain,  is  (a  e,  honorable, 
and  expedienl. 

Written  uy    the   Author    of  PLAIN    TRUTH. 


The  enjoyment  of  Liberty,  and  even  its  upport  and 
prefetvation,  confids,  in  every  man's  ln-.ng  allowed 
to   fpeak  his  thoughts,   and  lay  open  his  ftntiments. 

Qootation  of  the  American  Congrcfs,  in  ih  r  Addrels 
to  the  Inhabitants  of  Q^icbec,  from  th:i  friend  to 
Mankind,  Months  q^u  i  e  u. 


pHILADELP  HI  A: 
Vrinted,   and  Sold,    by  R.     BELL,     in  Thl  i-Str«et. 


MDCCLXXVI. 


::\ 


Ipy 
IF' 


W'-  * 


D    D    I    T     I     O    N     S 


T  O 

PLAIN       TRUTH: 

CONTAINING,  k 

Further  Remarks  on  a  late  Pamphlet, 
entitled    common    sense. 

THE  writer  of  PLAIN  truth,  grieved 
at  the  infidious  purpole  of  the  Pam- 
phlet, entitled  common  sense,  ar- 
dently wifhed  to  fee  its  Antichriftian  tenets 
cxpofed  to  public  deteftation.  After  in. 
vain,  waiting  feveral  weeks  in  cxpedation 
of  its  being  anfwered,  he  at  length  haftily 
endeavoured  to  refute  its  pernicious  doc- 
trines; and  therefore  wifhes  the  judicious 
reader  to  pcrufe  the  following  obfervations^ 
intended  as  additional  to  his  foroKr  re- 
marks. 

In  our  former  obfervations,  we  intimated 
that  many  pages  might  be  filled  with  enco- 
miums on  our  excellent  conftitution,  by 
jlluftrious  authors  of  different  nations.* 
We  hope  the  candid  reader  will  be  grati- 
fied with  the  following  extrads  on  than 
fubjcdl,  by  that   univecfal  genius  Voltaire, 

N  and 


'1 


i 

i 


■  -*«4.a-.-  . -i,,. .  w*. —i  -      .-..  a>*-  -  -  ■• — 


I  ih  Hi    [Jlii8ri''  '"  *-■'     ---^^ 


9? 


ADDITIONS    TO 


and  by  the  almoft  infpired  Montcfquieu,  To 
honorably  diainguilhed  by  our  rcfpedtablc 

Congrcfs. 

"  The  Englifh  nation  are  the  only  peo- 
pie  on  earth,    who,  refifting   prerogative, 
happily  rcrtrained  it  :  Who.  by  efforts  to 
efforts,  at  length  cftabliOied  that  ivije  go- 
vcrnment,  where  the  Prince   all   powerful 
to  do  good,  has  his  hands  tied  from  doing 
evil  }  where  the  nobility  great  without  in- 
folence,  and  vaffals,  and  where  the  people 
partake  the  government  without  conjujton. 
The  Houfe  of  Peers  and  Houfc  of  Commons 
are  the  arbitrators  of  the  nation  y  the  King 
is  the  umpire.      This  balance  was  wanting 
to  the  Romans  j  the  Patricians  ai^d  people 
were  always  divided  at  Rome,  without  a 
mitigating  power  to  reconcile  them.     The 
Senate  of  Rome,  who  had  the  unjuft  and 
punifhable   pride  to  (hare  no  part  of  their 
power  with  the  Plebeians,  knew  no  other 
lecretto  remove  them  from  government, 
than  to  employ  them  continually  in  foreign 
wars ;  they  regarded  the  people,  as  a  beaft 
of  prey,  whom  it  was  neccffary  to  let  loofe 
on   their  n/uihbours,  lead  he  (hould  tear 
his   mailer.  "Thus,    the  greateft  fault   of 
the  government  of  the  Romans  made  them 
Qonquerors ;  it    was,    becaufc   they    were 
•^    -  wreiched 


■'-s\^ 


TO 

itcfquieu,  fo 
r  rcfpedtablc 

lie  only  peo- 
prerogative-, 
by  efforts  to 
hat  wife  go-' 
all   powerful 
i  from  doing 
:  without  in- 
re  the  people 
out  conJuJion„ 
!  of  Commons 
n  i  the  King 
:  was  wanting 
s  ai^d  people 
ne,  without  a 
them.     The 
:he  unjuft  and 
I  part  of  their 
new  no  other 
government, 
ally  in  foreign 
pie,  as  a  beaft 
iry  to  let  loofe 
le  (hould  tear 
:ateft  fault   of 
ns  made  ihem 
fc   they    were 
wretched 


P  L  A  f  N    TRUTH. 


99 


wretched  at  home,  that  they  conquered  the 
world." 

Montefqnieu  alfo  aflirms  that  "the  Bri- 
tifli  government  is  the  wif'Ji  in  Europe^  bc- 
caufc,  there  is  a  body  which  examines  it 
p'^rpctually,  and  is  perpetually  examining 
itteif }  and  its  errors  arc  of  fuch  a  nature, 
as  nemf  to  be  lafiing,  and  are  frequently 
ufeful  by  roufing  the  attention  of  the  na- 
tion." In  fhort,  the  man  who  in  prefe- 
rence to  thefe  authorities,  and  the  teftimony 
of  ages,  can  believe  our  author's  criminal 
affertions  igainft  the  conftitution,  in  our 
very  humble  opinion,  is  incapable  of  being 
reafoned  with. 

The  reader,  often  accuftomed  to  hear 
our  numbers  exaggerated,  will  wirfi  fur- 
prife  be  told,  that  the  free  people  in  the 
Britirti  Colonics  do  not  exceed  1,500,000. 

The  writer  of  Common  Senfe,  and  hl& 
parlizans,  to  promote  their  flagitious  pur- 
poles,  endeavour  to  make  the  world  be- 
lieve, that  the  number  of  cur  free  people 
amount  to  three  millions.  Thefe  pcrfons 
who  have  fo  excellent  a  knack  of  creating 
armies,  and  navies,  fuppofc  900,000  peo- 
ple in  Virginia  and  Maryland,  although 
ihefe  provinces  only  contain  280,000 
while  people. 
3y    examining^    the   lift   of  taxables  in 

Virginia 


, 


ioc  ADDITIONS     to 

Virginia  ?.nd  Maryland,   arid  the  battalions 
now  u.)   foot   in  th.tc  provir.ccs,  fuch,  as 
doubc  our  coinpntatiowp,  nvdv  latisfy  them- 
ItivTs  that  wc  are  not  widely  miftaken.    It 
1  am  tuld   tr^at  72  counties  are  included  iii 
Vuiiinia   and  Mu.yland,   1  reply,  thai  they 
do   not  con^prehcnd   half  the   number  of 
people  contained  in  Yorkdiire.    The  num- 
ber of  white  people  therefore  in  the  diffc- 
rent  provinces,    may  be  truly  ftated  in   the 
followins^  manner  J   in   the  fouthern  colo- 
nics.   Aso.coo.    in    the  middle   colonies, 
cco,ooo,  in    the   New  England   coloniej. 
cocooo.  Thus  extenfively  disjoined,  thefe 
numbers    form    not    fo    great   a    nationaj 
(Ircntnh,  as  would  half  that  number  united 
in  a  compad  territory.     Now,  a  ftate,  con- 
taining 1,500,000  people,  c^nm  prudently 
keep  up   more   than    15,000    loldiers.     A 
per  11; n  'poflea;:d  of  £1000  may  indeed  for 
feme  time  difplaythe  cxpcnccof  hmi  leiled 
of  £1000  yearly  revenue,  but  he  will  afteft 
fuch   imprudent  parade   at  the  expcncc  ot 
bis  rain.    On  fuch,  and  no  other  principle, 
may  a  community  of  1,500,000  arm  more 

than  I  c,ooQ  men. 

When     by    the  luft  of    his    ambition, 

Lewis  the  Fourteenth   was  conftrained  ^0 

defend  himfelf  againft  his  redoubtable  acj- 

verfancs,  defpotic  as  he  was,  he  never  at 

'^     -  once 


TO 

he  battalions 
;es,  fuch,  as 
latisfy  them- 
miftaken.   It" 

included  iii 
ly,  thai  they 
:  number  of 
,    The  num- 
in  the  diffc- 
ftated  in   the 
)ulhern  colo- 
dle    colonies, 
and   colonic?, 
isjoined,  thefe 
at   a   national 
lumber  united 
r,  a  ftate,  con- 
nnpt  prudently 

Ibldiers.  A 
ay  indeed  for 
eof  hini  feifcd 
t  he  will  afFcdt 
he  expencc  of 
iiher  principle, 
,QOO  arm  more 

his   ambition, 

conflrained  to 

sdoubtable  ad- 

is,  he  never  at 

once 


P  L  A  I  N    T  R  U  T  H.      lot 

i,ncc  brought  into  the  field  one  tenth,  part 
of  his    fubjeds  c-ipable   of  bttnnr'   ii.aif. 
If  he  had,  his  kingdom  had   bcf  i   Josevcr 
undone,  feeing  the  lofs  fuftained  by  an  f.r- 
my,  even  in  an  inadive  campaign,  is  in- 
deed almofl:  incredible.     Lead   ih>;!e  iivne 
zealous  than  informed,  doubt  thciC  limplc 
truths,  we  here  fubjoin  the  opinion  of  tiwu 
friend  of  mankind,  Montcfquieuj  who,  re- 
t^edting  on  the  caufe  of  the  rife  and  fall  ot 
the  Roman  Empire;    obferve-?,  "  tiiat  ex- 
pericnc'j    has  perpetually   rtiewn,    tliat    an 
European   Prince,    who  has   a  million   of 
fubjefts,   cannot  without  deftroying  hitn- 
fclf,   keep  up  and  maintain  above  ten  ihou- 
fand  foldiers,  confequently,  great   nations 
only    are  poffetfed   of  Armies.*      '*  li  is 
obferved  (continues  the  fame  author)  that 
the  immoderate  labour  which  foldiers  aie 
obliged  to  undergo,  deftroys  our  armies." 

I  would  afk  thofc  who  alfert  wc  are  to  be 
aided  by  France  and  Spain,  on  what  aflarance 
fio  they  ground  their  hopes  of  fuch  allKl- 
ance  i?  Did  Britain  retain  Manilla,  Ilavan- 
na,  Martinico,    Guadaloupe,  or   aellcine? 

Did 

»  Let  the  reader  judge  how  this  correJjionds  with  the 
writer  of  Common  Senfe ;  who  affcrts,  "  that  it  is  a 
matter  worthy  of  obfervation,  that  the  mo*e  a  country  i* 
ocopled,  the  /mailer  their  armies  are." 


'4 


n 

i 
i 


'A 


X02. 


ADDITIONS     TO 


Did  •Britain  interfere  in  thcconqueftof  Cor- 
itca  ?  Did  (he  take  part  dircaiy  or  iiidircd- 
ly  with  thefubjeas  of  France,  when  late  in 
revolt  in   the  rich  ifland  of  St.  Dontiingo, 
commonly  called  Hifpaniola?  Did  not  Great 
Britain  v/iUi  incorruptible  integrity  adhering 
to  ihe  fpiril  of  her  treaties  with  France,  re- 
fufe  to  aid  tliefe  iHanders,  though  more  than 
once  folicited  and  impoktuned  by  thetn 
for  that  end  ?    Has  France   recovered  the 
tone  of  her  power,  weak-ned  by   fo  many 
fi^nal  defeats  ?  Are  not  her  iinanccs  in  deep 
di'l'order,  and  likely  fo  to  continue  for  many 
years  ?  Did  not  thefe  weighty  confiderations 
lately  retain  France    from  fuccouring   the 
Turks,  tbo'  brought  to  ihe  verge  of  perdi- 
tion by  the  vidlories  of  Ruffia  ?  The  Turks, 
her  ancient  natural  allies,  whofe  very  bene- 
ficial  commerce  Hie  almoft  exclufively  cn- 
]oycdi  a  commerce  more  valuable  than  that 
"fhc  could  carry  on  with  us,  were  ^t  raifed 
to  independence  by  her  power. 

Circumlhmced  as  France  and  Spain  are, 
would  they  not  adl  extremely  impolitically 
to  aid  or  create  a  civil  war  in  the  dominions 
of  Britain?  Such  procedure  on  the  part  of 
France  would  probably  again  roufethe  mar- 
tial ambition  of  the  proud  ijlanden,  fo  as  to 
rccal  to  her  memory  the  age  of  Henry  the 
ctb.  or  the  delivery  of  Dunkirk  to  Cromwell. 

Montefquieu 


..SV'--S£i» 


3       TO 

queft  of  Cor- 
y  or  iiidircdl- 
when  late  in 
it.  Domingo, 
^id  not  Great 
jrity  adhering 
1  France,  re- 
>h  more  than 
^ED  by  them 
ecovered  the 
I  by   fo  many 
jances  in  deep 
inue  for  many 
confidcrations 
iccouring   the 
crge  of  perdi- 
?  The  Turks, 
)re  very  bene- 
:xclufively  en- 
able than  that 
vere  we  raifed 
r. 

nd  Spain  are, 
y  impolitically 
the  dominions 
on  the  part  of 
roufe  the  mar- 
mdersy  (o  as  to 
of  Henry  the 
k  to  Cromwell. 
Montefquieu 


PLAIN    TRUTH. 


103 


Montefquieu  very  juftly  remarks,  "  that  no 
ftate  threatens  its  neighbours  with  conquci^ 
fo  much  as  that  which  is  involved  in  the 
horrors  of  civil  war :    In  luch  a  feafon,  the 
nobility,    the    citizens,    the   artizan-s,    the 
pealants,  and  in   (hort  the  whole  body  of 
the  people  become  foldie;s."     Can   wc  be- 
lieve  that   the   Sovereigns   of  France    and 
Spam,  charmed  with  our  author's  encomi- 
unis  on  monarchs  and  monarchy,  will  in 
gratitude  raife  him  to  his  beloved,  his  paf- 
lionately  defired  proteSlorjhip  ?  Let  us  how- 
ever fuppofe  that  thefe  monarchs  jealous  of 
the   power  of  England,  would  gladly  dc- 
prefs  her,  even  at  the  certain  price  of  creat- 
ing in  the  independent   flates  of  America, 
a  very  dangerous  power  to  their  colonies. 
Let  us  next  examine   the  probable  conrc- 
quences.      In   fuch   war,  Hollmid,  perhaps 
Denmark,  and  Ruffia,,  would  take  part  witb 
their  natural  ally.  Great  Britain.     It  is  in- 
deed incumbent  on  thcfe  powers  to  prcfcrve, 
inviolate  the  Britifh  power  in  America  and 
the  Weft  Indies,  which  alone  maintains  the 
ftability  of  the  political  balance  in  Europe. 
It  confequently   will  behoove  France    and 
Spain  to  arm  with  the  utmofl:  vigour,  which 
cannot  be  effeded  at  lefs   annual  expence 
flian  fifteen  millions  fterling  to  each  of  the 
laid   belligerents.     Now    fliould   this    war 

prove 


104 


ADDITIONS     TO 


n 


U.     : 


prove   unfucccfsful  on   the  part  of  Great 
Britain,  we  cannot  imagine  that  it  will  ter- 
minate,  e'er  many  bloody  fields   are   loft 
and   won ;     I    fay,    it   probably  will   not 
end   in    left  than    lo    yearf.      This    war 
therefore  would  coft  to  France  and  Spain  at 
lead  300  millions  fterling,  and  confequent- 
ly  3,  4,  or  500,000  fubjedts.— Methinks  I 
hear  the  writer  of  Common  Scnfe  exclaim, 
Britain  diveitcd  of  her  American  commerce, 
cannot  fo  long  maintain  war.     I  would  re- 
mind him  that  Britain  and  Ireland  contain 
nearly    ten  millions  of  people.     If  there* 
fore   there  is  the  lead  foundation  in  his 
aflertion   "  that  the   diminution  of  tra^it 
creates  an  army,  and  the  neceflities  of  an 
army  create  a  trade,"  the  candid  reader  will 
furely  allow  that  Great  Britain  may  arm  and 
maintain  a  moft  redoubtable  army,  poflcfled 
of  nearly  a  million   of  manufafturers  (ac- 
cording to  our  author,  and  his  congenial 
frantic  declamators)  in  danger  of  ftarving. 
Let  ui  fuppofe  that  in  thecourfe  of  this  war, 
unhappily  for  mankind  the  glory  of  Great 
Britain  is  ftained  by  repeated  diJgraces  and 
defeats,  vnd  that  (he  is  forever  ftripped  of 
her  colonies,  who  become  independent. 

Ye  that  arc  not  dead  to  humanity  and 
every  generous  emotion  of  the  human  heart,' 
feel  ye  not  compaffion  for  h-uman  kind  de- 
flroyed  in  thefe  bloody  fcenes  ?  Do  ye  feel 


I 


b       TO 

(art  of  Great 
lat  it  will  tcr- 
ields   are   lod 
ibly  will   not 
This    war 
e  and  Spain  at 
d  confcquenl- 
. — Methinks  I 
Scnfe  exclaim, 
;an  commerce, 
I  would  re- 
reland  contain 
»le.     If  there, 
idation  in  his 
jtion  of  tradt 
ceflities  of  an 
did  reader  will 
1  may  arm  and 
army,  pofleffed 
ufadturers  (ac- 
hi8  congenial 
rcr  of  ftarving. 
irfe  of  this  war, 
glory  of  Great 
:d  dilgraces  and 
ever  ftrippcd  of 
ndependent. 
0  humanity  and 
le  human  heart,' 
mman  kind  de- 
les ?  Do  ye  feel 

B9 


PLAIN     TRUTH. 


105 


no  rcmorfc  for  the  rUlti  of  the  Britifh  em- 
pire, the  fcourge  of  tyrants,  ihe  protedor 
of  nations  and  our  facred  rclii^ion  ?  are  ye 
not  petrified  with  horror,  indignation  and 
amazement,  when  infiirmed,  that  a  princi- 
pal caufe  of  fuch  bloody  and  ever  deplorable 
Icenes  is  the  rcftlcfs  ambition  of  the  writer 
of  Common  Senfe  and  his  partisans :  im- 
pelled 1  fay  by  their  turbulent  ambition  to 
anticipate  an  event  which  the  fulnefb  of  time 
would  probably  produce  without  bloodfhcd. 
Here  let  us  paufe,  and  difpaniuiiately  ex- 
amine the  advantages  accruing  to  France 
and  Spain  from  the  expenditure  of  ib  t/iuc/j 
blood,  (0  niucb  treafure.  Thefe  advantages 
we  muft  candidly  rclolve  into  humiliacioa 
to  Great  Britain,  and  eventual  and  final  ruia 
to  their  colonies, 

**  But  our  commerce  (fays  the  author  of 
Common  Senfe)  our  commerce  will  repay 
ihem."  Famed  as  we  are  for  gratitude,  I 
fincerely  believe  that  France  and  Spain  may 
fccurely  rely  on  cxclufively  enjoying  our 
commerce  for  ages,  many  ages.  After  this 
facrifice  to  truth,  1  muft  however  acknow- 
ledge, that  were  we  to  present  thole  pow- 
ers with  the  total  of  our  produce  for  two 
centuries  to  come,  we  fiiould  not  nearly  repay 
tothofe  powers,  the  faid  expenditure  of  blood 
and  treafure.      Let  us  now  view  the  other 

O  fide. 


io6        ADDITIONS     TO 


lide.  If  wc  confidcr  the  powerful  efFortj 
Britain  has  heretofore  made  to  fupport 
AuiUia,  and  the  halance  of  power  in  Eu- 
rope, we  may  readily  imagine  ihe  ftupen- 
dou8  efforts  flie  will  |.eiTorm  to  favc  herfclf 
from  impending  deftrudion.  Her  navies 
covering  the  ocean  would  rapidly  deftroy  the 
fleets  of  her  enemies.  France  and  Spain 
overwhelmed  with  the  dcHrudion  of  their 
commerce  and  colonies,  like  a  tree  (Iript  of 
cf  i  1:  branches,  would  pine  and  languid]. 
Soon  would  they  again  implore  Britain  for 
peace.—- The  French  and  Spanish  colonies 
once  more,  and  perhaps  forever  would  re- 
ceive Uws  from  Britain.  The  very  fertile 
ifland  of  Hifpaniola,  of  much  more  value 
than  all  the  Britifh  iflands,  only  awaits  a 
fummons  to  furrendcr  to  Great  Britain. 
Oppressed  by  every  species  of 
DESPOTISM,  the  planters  of  Hilpaniola 
lately  flew  to  arms,  but  alas  1  were  defeated 
by  the  regular  troops  of  their  arbitrary 
Prince.  Thofe  rich  planters  being  in  the 
vicinity  of  Jamaica,  are  charmed  with  the 
felicity  of  the  Britifli  lubjeds,  and  languilh 
to  partake  the  happinefs  of  the  BritKh  con- 
ftitution.  The  furrender  of  this  ifland  (and 
its  rcdudion  would  be  infallible)  would 
afford  to  Great  Britain  as  real  a  monopoly 

the 


'in 


I 


^■^. 


TO 

crful  cfFortJ 

to    fupport 

Qwcr  in  Eu- 

ihe  ftupen- 

favc  hcrfclf 

Her   navies 

^  deftroy  the 

;  and  Spain 

ion  of  their 

tree  (Uipt  of 

ind  languidi. 

e  Britain  for 

ni(h  colonies 

rcr  would  re- 

e  very  fertile 

more  value 

only  awaits  a 

Jreat    Britain. 

SPECIES       OF 

»f  Hitpaniola 
were  defeated 
lieir  arbitrary 
being  in  the 
med  with  the 
,  and  languilh 
le  Btitllh  ton- 
tiis  ifland  (and 
Uibk)  would 
I  a  monopoly 


P  L  A  I  N    T  R  U  T  H.      107 

of  fogar  and  indigo,  as  the  Dutch  pofTefs  of 
ihe  fpice  trade.     Britain  by  moral  and  phy- 
fical  caufcs  hnbituatcd  to  glory,  would  ra- 
pidly  prevail,  and  triumphintly   returning; 
to  our   devoted  (hores. — I  draw  a  veil  over, 
the  event.     Ii  it  not  a  melancholy  lymp- 
tom  that  many,  too  many  rcJped^ablc   pcr- 
fons  in  the  colonics   have  attended    to  our 
•«  vifionary's   tale  of  foreign  aid  ?  Is  it   not 
humiliating  to  confidcr,  that  fuch  perloni 
have  been  mifled  by  our  ivould  beprotcchr." 
Can  wc  be  (o  credulous  to  believe  what 
our  author  has  aflerted  about  our  creating  a 
navy,  &c?  Wc  are  not  ignorant  that  Spain 
•snjoys   more  commerce  than  the  colonic?, 
conlequently  more   leamen   'ban  America. 
We  are  not  uninformed  that  Spain  poff  (Ted 
of  Mexico  and  Peru  (mines  not  indeed  (oea- 
fily  worked  asourveiy  valuable  paper  mines) 
would  purchafe  feamen,  if  unhappily    for 
the  peace  of  mankind,  gold  could  purchafe 
failors  j  perhaps   only    to    be    obtained   in 
Britain   or  Holland.— This  our  affcrtion  is 
cxprcfly  confirmed  by  the  friend  oj  mankind 
Montefqiiieu,  who  fays,  "  in  this  age,  the 
whole  life  of  a  prince  is  fcarce  fufficient  for 
the  railing  and  equipping  a  navy  capable  to 
make  head  againlt  a  power  already  pofTcflcd 
©f  the   empire  of  the  fea."     This  perhaps 

may 


■  ) 


J 


io8 


ADDITIONS     TO 


may   be   the    only    thing    whicli    money 
CANNOT    KiFicr.     I  apprchctid  ill  (this 
vciy    cxccl'.ciic    authority,  indepeiiilent   of 
cur  hiunblt  rtafons,    will  aflurcdly  evince, 
tu  every  candid  fcader,  thai  in  our  days  wc 
cannut   form  a  luvy   to  contend   witli    the 
pride  and  tniiUcls  of  ihc  main.    H  the  wri- 
ter of  Conunon  Scnfc  is  ftill  inrtexibly  bent 
on    buildin|i  a  navy,  1  advifc  him  to  con- 
ihuil  it  on  his  native  plains  of  the  moon.— 
There,   indeed  may  it  defy  the  power  of 
Great  Britain,  which  alas  I   it  cannot  brave 
on    the  Blue    mountains,    or    any    other 
part   of  Britifli    America.      Scrioufly,   the 
man's  judgment  mull  be  ftrangcly  depraved 
who  can  give  the  leUl  faith  to  our  vifion- 
ry's  navy,   and  his  other  rhodomontadcs  I 
I  apprehend   that  our  planters,    farmers, 
and  others,  who  cinnot  obtain  a  (hilling  for 
Vv'hc.ii,  who  in  birtcr  for  two  buflicis    of 
th.it  article,  cann-^t    acquire  one  bulhel   of 
SALT  ;  who  cannot  procure  other  articles 
aim  (i  indir|)t;iifii)ly  nccefTary  to  life  j  1  fay, 
futh  pirlons,  as  well  as  every  oih:r  rank  of 
inhabuin'.s,   will,   1  dread  foon  experimen- 
tally fini,  (hat  the  writ' r  of  Common  Senfc 
has  inl  .hcd    their   undcrlknding,   in  ban- 
tennu;  ihcm  nbout  thci;  grain  fciling,  "while 
ec.'itii^  is  t/jL'  cu/lom  in  Europe^'   conccrnii)g 
a  navy  and  lush  like  extravagancies. 

We 


h 


S       TO 

hicll      MONEY 

hend  th  c  thin 
dependent   of 
urcdiy  evince, 
n  our  days  wc 
end   witli    the 
1.    !1  the  wri- 
nrtcxibly  bent 
:  hir)i  to  con- 
f  the  moon.— 
the  power  of 
t  cannot  brave 
}r    any    other 
Scrioufly,   the 
ngcly  depraved 
to  our  vifion- 
)domontades ! 
Uers,    farmers, 
n  a  (hilling  for 
ivo  buHiels   of 
one  buHiel   of 
other  articles 
f  to  life  i  1  fay, 
y  oihcr  rank  of 
on  experimen- 
Common  Senfc 
iding,  in  ban- 
fciling,  "while 
f,"   concerning 
gancies. 

We 


P  L  A  I  N    T  R  U  T  IT.      109 

Wc  hive  already  obfcrved,  that  our  aii- 
tlior  remarks,    '*  that  commerce  diminiOics 
both  the  Ipirit  of  patriotilm    and    military 
defence."*     The   Hoitrntots,   the    people 
(if  they  may  he  fo  called)    of  Kamchatka, 
of  Grcci.land,  and  a  confiderablo    part   of 
Siberia,  know  not  commerce.     They    are 
as  remarkable  no  doubt  for  patriotifin,   as 
elegance  of  manners.     The  Algeriius,  and 
other   pirates  of  Barbary,    the    numerous 
tribes  of  Arabs,  the  many  hord-.  of  Tartars, 
have  no  other  commerce  than  robbery  and 
murder.     They   indeed  poflds  the  genuine 
Ipirit    of  military   defence^    and     douotlcfs 
therefore  arc   excellent  patriot''.     The  na- 
tives of  Florida,  and   New  Z'.aland,    who 
ravenoufly  feed  on    human    fli.ll),   have   no 
idea  of  commerce.     1  cannot  indeed  of  my 

own 

•  The  eloquent  Fergufon  treating  of  the  moft  refpciJU- 
able  nations  I'f  antiquity,  has  the  tollowiiig  obfeivuiioii. 

"  They  granted  qi.atteronly  to  f  fl  vc,  rr  ro  brin^^  the 
prifoner   to  a  inoie   folemn   execution  ;    .i.  <.\    im  enemy 
v.hendifarmed,  was  for  the  moll  pirt,  either  fold  in  ihc 
market  or  killed,  that  he  might  never  return  t:)  llningthen 
hij  party.     When  this   was  the  ifluR  'f  war,  i:  was   n(» 
wonder  that  battles  were    fought   with   deipcrafian,  and 
that  every   fortitis  v/as  defended   to  the  lalt  extremity. 
The  game  of  human  life  went  upon  a  higli  iLiicc,  and  was 
played  with  a  proportional  zeal.     To  the   military   Ipirit 
tf  dtftntt   were  mankii\d    indebted    for   fuch   dcteUiible 
manners.     Cm  any  reiifoaable  being  therefore,  wi(h  for 
iiidcpendcricc  at   this  lime,  which    tfl'crtually  deOroying 
our  commerce  and  our  agreeable  manners,  would  without 
all  doubt  plunge  us  into  brutality   and  the  groiTcIl  bar- 
birrifm."  History    of   Cjvil   Society. 


h 


ifm 


no        ADDITIONS     to 

own  knowlcf^gc  fay  much  of  their  patriot- 
ifm,    tho'    ihcy  certiiniy    poflefs   the  inie 
fpir it  of  military  defence  in  its  native  coloiin, 
1  believe  our  honeft  Indian  neighbours  are 
unf'<illcd   in    commerce,     tho'  acquainted 
with  the  mods  of  broiling  prifoners,   and 
well  verlcd  in  the  Jpirit  of  military  deftnce. 
With  the  utmoft  ifubmitlion,   do  I  piopole 
to  the  real  author  of  Cammon   Senfe,  and 
his  votaries  uf  the  true  military  Jpirit  of  de- 
fence, and   to  him  who  lately  lo  learnedly 
arraigned  luxury  j    1  fay,  with  entire  defe- 
rence do  I  propofe  to  ihofe  worthies  to  pafs 
the  remainder  of  their  precious  lives  amidft 
thcfe  humane  nations,  and  enjcsy  patriotifm, 
and  the  true  fpirit  of  military  defence  un- 
dt filed  by  commerce,  undebafed  by  luxury. 
I  do  not  mean  to  expofe  the  many  ablurdi- 
tics  with  which  the  mifled  public   has  too 
long  been  deludg^d  by  many  of  our  dcludd 
and  deluding  writers.     I  (hall   however  re- 
mark,  that  we  are  unacquMnted  w.th  the 
Wed  India  llknds,  if  we  believe  that  they 
folely  depend  on  us  for  provifions  and  lum- 
ber/In  Jamaica,  flour  is  perhaps  an  article 
of  luxury,  and  as  bread,  is  rather  inferior  to 
plantains,    with  which  that    ifland    amply 
abounds.       Jamaica    iMo     produces    large 
quantities  of  the  beO  Indian  corn  on  earth, 
and  without  injuring  the  iugar  canes,  m 


TO 

their  patriot- 
fefs   the  true 
lative  colour i, 
cighbours  are 
)'  acquainted 
ri  Toners,   and 
Utary  defence. 
do  I  piopol'e 
n   Senfe,  and 
-y  Jpirit  of  de- 
r  io  learnedly 
h  entire  defe- 
orthies  to  pafs 
us  lives  amidft 
jc5y  patriotifm, 
f  defence  un* 
:d  by  luxury. 
many  ablurdi- 
lublic   has  too 
of  our  deluded 
)   however  fe- 
inted With  the 
lieve  that  they 
ifions  and  lum- 
haps  an  article 
ither  inferior  to 
iiland    amply 
produces    large 
I  curn  on  earth, 
lugar  canes,  in 


PLAIN    TRUTH. 


in 


the  intervals  or  rows  of  which  it  is  planted, 
and  arrives  at  liiaturljy  before  the  canes  be- 
come i()  vigorous  as  to  dciinnd  much  nou- 
riihtneni  from  the  earth.  Large  quantities 
of  yams  and  other  ground  proviiions  are 
thtre  alfo  produced.  An  hundredth  part 
of  mountanious  Jamaica  is  not  cultivated 
in  fugar  canes :  that  iiland  confequently  af- 
fords plenty  of  timber  for  hogfliead  ftaves. 
Puncheon  ftaves  may  be  obtained  from 
Hamburgh,  from  Canada,  or  MiiTiiripi, 
from  which  laft  colony,  feveral  of  the  French 
iflands  were  plentifully  fupplied  with  lumber. 
Ever  fince  the  fetilcment  of  the  French 
la  Hifpaniola,  nine  tenths  of  their  fugars 
have  been  fliipped  in  hogflieads  made  of 
wood  the  growth  of  that  ifland. — If  it  is 
[aid  that  the  windward  iilands  (particularly 
Barbadoes)  are  dellitute  of  the  refources  pe- 
culiar to  Jamaica,  1  reply  that  it  were  per- 
haps advantageous  for  the  Barbadians  to  re- 
move from  their  worn  out  iflind  *aconfider- 
able  number  of  their  (laves  to  the  newly 
ceded  iflands,  or  to  Jamaica,  where  their 
labour  would  probably  turn  to  better  account 
than  in  their  ifland  demanding  reft  to  reco- 
ver its  prifline  fertility.  As  large  quantities 
of  rum  and  other  produce  formerly  wont  to 

be 

*  In  1772,  25000  hogfbeads  of  fugar  were  dipped  froni 
Grenada;  and  in  that  year,  5000  hoglheads  ynly  from 
Ba  rbadoej. 


1 


'■U 


iirr        ADDITIONS    to 

l^e  confiimed  in  America  will  now  be  fent 
to   Britain,  it  will  effedually  prevent  the 
(iiitillipg   of  fpiritaous  liquors  from   grain 
which  will  anfwer  many  happy  confequences 
to  that  kintidom  and  her  iflands.     In  fine, 
were  it  poffible  for  the  prefent  unhappy  con- 
vulfions  to  continue  for  two  or  three  years, 
1  do  verily  believe  Great  Britain  would  be 
highly  advantaged  by  forever  prohibiting  in- 
tcrcourfe  between  thole  colonies  and  her 
iflands — nor  is  it  probable  Britain  would 
omit  this  politic  meafure.      I  know  it  will 
be  re- echoed  that  the  Weft  India  iflands 
cannot  do  without  America.     The  contra- 
ry is  neverthelefs  true.    Mjft  afluredly  Bri- 
tain is  as  capable  to  fupport  her  iflands,  as 
is  France,  whofe  iflands  as  we  have  already 
obferved  are  much  more  confiderable,  con- 
I'cquently  require  larger  fupplies. 

Since  the  publication  of  my  firft  remarks 
on  Ccmmon  benfe,  1  have  feen  an  appen- 
dix to  it,  which  I  am  inclined  to  think  the 
produdion  of  the  putative,  rather  than 
the  real  author. 

We  know  that  the  author  of  Common 
Senfc  for  fome  time  pad  has  been  anxioufly 
bufied  in  negociating  a  match  between  Ma- 
demoifelle  Borgio,  a  dcfcendant  of  Pope 
Alexander  the  fixth,  vulgarly  called  the 
Scarlet  Whore  of  Babylon,  and  a  great 
prandfon  of  John  Calvin.  It  is  more- 
**  over 


'm,l 


TO 

now  be  fent 
prevent  the 
5  from  graia 
confequcnces 
ids.     In  fine, 
unhappy  con- 
)r  three  years, 
tain  would  be 
jrohlbitiBg  in- 
:)nies  and  her 
Britain  would 
[  know  it  will 
L  India  iflands 
The  contra- 
;  affuredly  Bri- 
ber iflands,  as 
re  have  already 
fiderable,  con- 
lies. 

ly  firft  remarks 
fcen  an  appen- 
d  to  think  the 
E,    rather  than 

)r  of  Common 
been  anxioufly 
b  between  Ma- 
ndant  of  Pope 
irly  called  the 
n,  and  a  great 
,  It  is  more- 
over 


PLAIN    TRUTH. 


X13 


over  rumoured,  that  accompanied  with  a 
PRIEST,  he  is  gone  to  an  cftatc  late  the 
grand  monarch's,  to  celebrate  the  nuptials. 
The  true  defccndants  of  John  Calvin  and 
John  Knox,  even  at  this  time  trembling  for 
the  confequences,  dread  thi«  alliance  :  IN' ay, 
we  ourfelves  are  fenfible  of  her  coquetry, 
to  give  it  no  harfhcr  epithet,  and  really 
apprehend  the  decciiful  hufley  will  jilt  him. 
The  author  of  the  Appendix,  or  rather 
Summary  of  the  pamphlet  called  Common 
Scnfe,  fays,  "  that  America  has  a  large  and 
young  family,  whom  it  is  more  her  duty  to 
take  care  of,  than  be  granting  away  her 
property,  &c.  I  moft  ardently  wifh  that 
her  family  were  all  well  employed,  and 
that  it  did  not  comprehend  this  author,  and 
too  many  of  his  caft,  who  were  better 
employed  in  mauling  rails,  than  teizing  their 
diftreflfed  parent  to  take  care  of  them. 

"  In  fupport  of  independency  adds 
this  author,  I  could  if  I  judged  it  pro- 
per, produce  fome  of  the  ableft  and  moft 
experienced  men  on  this  continent,  and 
whofe  fentiments  on  that  head  are  not  yet 
publicly  known.  We  lament  he  had  not 
judged  it  proper  to  favour  the  public  with 
the  names  of  bis  able  and  experienced  men- 
who  wifli  their  country  plunged  into  every 
fpecies  of  mifcry. 

P  la 


'. !, 


114:        ADDITIONS     TO 

In  the  Pamphlet,    the  author  fpeaks  of 
the  trade  by  which  America  has  enriche4 
hcrfclf.     In  the  Appendix  it  is  faid,  Ame- 
rica doth  not  yet  know  what  opulence  is. 
This  is  furcly  contra?liaory,    "  Becaufe,  ihs^t 
it  is  the  intereft  of  America  to  be  fcparated 
from  Britain,  becaufe  it  will  come  to  that 
one  time  or  other  ^  becaufe  the  longer  it  m 
delayed,  the  harder  it  will  be  to  accom- 
pli(h."     This  is  devoid  even  of  the  lem- 
blancc  of  truth,  and  no  man  in  his  fenfe? 
can  believe  it.     Let  us  however  for  argu- 
ment fake  admit  it.     Are  we  to  precipitate 
ourfelvcs  into  ruinous  meafures,  becaufe  oyr 
remote  defcendanis  are  ^o  be  involved  in 
war  f  We  may  honeftly  anfwer  no  j  what- 
ever political  quacks  allege  to  the  contrary 
in  fupport  of  their  criminal  defigns.     If  aii 
affcmbly  of  ipo  oppulent  perfons  were  told 
that  according  to  human  affairs  it  were  ^ 
million  to  one,  that  none  of  their  dcfcen- 
dants  one    or   two  thoufand   years   hcncp 
would  poffcfs  one  (hilling  of  their  property, 
would  they  do  well  to  afflia  themfelvcs  > 
Surely  not.  In  fine,  exifting  a  moment  be- 
tween two  eternities,  our  defigns  are  trail 

as  ourfelves. 

"  The  continent  (fays  the  author)  by  that 
time  would  not  havp  had  a  general,  or  even 

a  military 


TO 

hor  fpeaks  of 
has  enriched 
is  faid,  Ame- 
t  opulence  is. 
» Becaufe,  ihs^t 

0  be  fcparated 
come  to  that 

he  longer  it  is 
be  to  accom- 

1  of  the  fem- 
n  in  his  fenfes 
ever  for  argu- 
:  to  precipitate 
2S,  becaufe  our 
be  involved  in 
yer  no  j  what- 
to  the  contrary 
iefigns.     If  an 
rfons  were  told 
fFairs  it  were  ^ 
[  their  dcfcen- 
d   years   hcnc(? 

their  property, 
dt  themfelves? 
;  a  moment  bc- 
lefigns  are  frail 

author)  by  that 

general,  or  even 

a  military 


P  L  A  I  K    T  R  tJ  T  H;      lis 

fi  military  officer  left  j  and  we,  or  thofc 
who  may  fucceed[us,  would  have  been  as  ig- 
norant of  martial'ifFairs,   as  the  ancient  In- 
dians :  and  this  fingle   pofition  clofely  at- 
tended to,  will   unanfwerably  prove,   that 
the  prefcnt  time  is  preferable  to  all  others* 
Here  I  do  the  author  juftice  to  fuppofe,  that 
he  really  means  to  joke.  If  he  is  in  earneft, 
his  invention  is  father  fertile  j  for    I  can 
fafely  fay,  that  he  has  adduced  a  reafon  for 
arming,  which  no   one  elfe  would   have 
thought  of.      I  believe   my  countrymen, 
who  laft  war  carried  arms,  will  candidly 
town,    that  had   we  no  better   reafon  for 
taking  up  arms  than  that  juft  affigned,   we 
very  fafely  might  poftpone  the  war   50  ec 
100  years  longer.     If  our  troops  gathered 
laurels,  the   Britons    alfo   acquired   glory. 
Certain  I  am,  that  our  experienced  officers 
will  moft  chcarfully  allow,  that  the  addi- 
tional number  of  150  or  200,000   men* 
(which  additional  number,  in  that  remote 
period,   the  conti  ^nt  will  at  lead  poflefs) 
would  be  an  equiv/.  r.EMT  for  their  military 
ikill.     Why  may  not  our  defcendants  then 
ex  pea  foreign  generals  ?  Will  not  foldiera 
of  fortune  then  have  ftronger  inducements 
to  explore  military  fame  and  fortune  than 
at  prefcnt?  Why  may  not  our  youthful  dc- 

fcendantt 


ii6 


ADDITIONS    TO 


i'si 


fcendants  courting  glory  in  the  well  fought 

fields  of  Europe,    return  with  laurels,  and 

iiiftrua:  their  countrymen  to  acquire  honor 

and  fame    in   defending   America.      The 

author  of  the  Appendix  next  remarks,  **  that 

the  value  of  the  back  lands  which  fome  of 

the  provinces  are  clandcftinely  deprived  of, 

by  the  unjuft  exienfion  of , the  limits  of 

Canada,  valued  only  at  five  pounds  fterling 

per  hundred  acres,  amount  to  upwards  of 

twenty  five  millions,  Pennfylvania  currency, 

and  the  quit-rents  at  one  penny  fterling  per 

acre,  to  two  millions  fterling." 

"  It  is  by  the  fale  of  tbo/e  lands  that 
the  debt  may  be  funk,  without  burthen  to 
any,  and  the  quit-rent  refcrved  thereon,  will 
always  leflen,  and  in  time,  will  wholly  fup- 
port  the  yearly  expence   of   gov«rnment. 
'  Jt  matters  not  how  long  f/je  debt  is  in  paying, 
fo  that  the  lands  when  fold  be  applied  to  the 
difcharge  of  it,  and  for  the  execution  of 
which,  the  Congrefs  for  the  time  being, 
will  be  the  continental  truftees."      This  is 
perhaps  the  moft  glaring  infult  ever  offered 
to  mankind,  and  as  he  evidently  means  to 
betray  the  caufe  he  pretends  to  fcrve,  I  will 
therefore   chearfully   deted   his   duplicity. 
Fitft,    I  obfervc  that  his  back  lands   are 
only  480  millions  of  acres,  cr  a  territory 
jjuT  82  times  larger    than  Pennfylvania, 

which 


)      TO 

;  well  fought 
i  laurels,  and 
Lcquire  honor 
»eiica.      The 
marks,  **  that 
rhich  feme  of 
\f  deprived  of, 
the  limits  of 
Qunds  fterling 
:o  upwards  of 
ania  currency, 
ly  fterling  per 

• 

fofe  lands  that 
3ut  burthen  to 
d  thereon,  will 
ill  wholly  fup- 

govsrnment. 
k  is  in  paying, 
',  applied  to  the 
!  execution  of 
le  time  being, 
;cs."  This  is 
alt  ever  offered 
sntly  means  to 
to  (erve,  I  will 

his   duplicity. 
)ack  lands   are 

cr  a  territory 

i  Pennfylvania, 

which 


PLAIN    TRUTH.        117 

which  comprehends  all  tlid  fpace,  even  to 
the  polar  circle  (land  or  leas  of  ice  mat- 
ters not  to  him)  three  fourths  of  which  will 
forever  remain  a  dreadful  defart.  I  am  not 
ignorant  that  our  author  will  allege  the 
prcceflion  of  the  equinoxes,  which  in  the 
courfe  of  a  million  of  years,  by  changing 
every  climate  on  earth,  may  render  his  back 
lands  habitable.  Secondly,  this  projedl  of 
his  back  lands  will  exterminate  every  Indian 
in  North  America ;  nor  can  this  aifertion  be 
thought  rafli  if  we  remember  the  respect 
with  which  our  frontier  fettlers  very  gene- 
rally treat  their  Indian  neighbours.  Now 
I'uch  murderous  ambition  is  rather  too  bare- 
faced in  our  ftatcfman  (o  convcrfant  in  fcrip" 
ture,  injujiice,  and  our  natural  rights. 
Thirdly,  the  habitable  part  of  our  author's 
provinces,  will  not  be  peopled  (if  ever)  in 
lefs  than  loco  or  1500  years.  China,  by 
rcery  caufe^  is  as  favourable  to  population  as 
any  region  or  empire  on  earth.  Yet  doth 
it  not  contain  one  twentieth  part  of  the  in- 
habitants our  provinces  are  to  comprehend 
in  the  fliort  fpace  of  one  or  two  centuries. 
In  fine,  there  is  no  example  on  earth  of 
Tuch  population.  War,  famine,  and  pefti- 
lence  v/ill  ever  prevent  it.  Mankind  ever 
were  and  ever  will  be  the  fame.  Nor  doth 
Providence   fcem  folicitous   to  croud   the 

earth 


fl- 
f 


1 


Il* 


as  ADDITIONS    TO 

numbers  of  ^"■",'"  ''Ze  of  Ufe-  »'  «'» 
in  infancy,  »"<>«;"''„  ^'f  i„,Udies,  as  b, 

Indiogthcmaprey  o<bc.ccarl    ^^^^^^_j_ 

"'  'Slicotus'  .ale!  about  popola.io^ 
m,t  'l'°,f<;  """^ca"  we  belUvc  that  our  nu- 
"""!    defcendan,rwm  be  happi«  than 

,heir  Ufs  numerous  »"««» ';„„„hVleaft 
aare  not  beheve  "•  '  "  jth  her  pricfts 
aoub.  that  modern  Ro  ^^'tn  aScien. 
and  viohns,  '«  "°;. "  P„hs.   fediiions,  and 

^°T-  Tl      N  w  S  any  rea,onable 
proknpt.ons.     Now  ^^^  ^pp.sDix 

pcrfon  pretend  '»  ""J  ,„  ftab  our 

Statesman  doth  not  m  ^^^_ 

credit  by  teU.ng  ^'J^'^  uninXabitable 
.hey  are  '^  have  »n«Pk,red        ^^^ 

wilds,  or  f"*l"*hat  the  proffered  fecu- 
S:?n^:;afg:«;r:U^o  the  planet 

'%"!  doth  he  know,  'hat  only  nan.ing 

'^"J^laurrstt     conSnuef  the  ap'pendix 
««  It  matters  noi  \^  .     paving. 

^,«r)  how     -8  •'>^„^  ^'  '  „'"hS  heal 

gcc  "     Our  author  s   hnccriiy  «»  ^^^ 

1  inoft  fincerely  believe. 


TO 


ich  amazing; 

lid  not  perifti 
life,  as  well 

ladies,  as  by 

war,  and  dc- 

rfed  ambition 
however  ad- 

lUt  population 
that  our  nu- 
happicr  than 

•s  ?  1  reply  wc 

re  not  the  leaft 

vith  her  pricfts 
than  ancient 
feditions,  and 

my   reaionable 

the  APPENDIX 

;an  to  ftab  our 

:  creditors,  that 

uninnabitable 

dgc  for  money  ? 
c  proffered  fecu- 
ble  to  the  planet 

at  only  naniing 
d  men  is  an  e^- 
ig  their  purfes. 
cs  the  appendix 
3t  is  in  paying, 
•itv  on  ibis  head, 
'  '  The  I 


P  L  A  I  N     T  R  U  T  H.      ug 

The  author  more  than    once  mentions, 
"the  fuftcrcrs,  whofe  ail  is  already  gone, 
and   the  foldier   who  has  quitted    his    a/l 
for  the  defence  of  his  country."     I  fay,   he 
attempts  to  terrify  us  with  thofe  who  have 
no  fortunes  but  their  swords.     I  have  al- 
ready expreflcd    my   ardent    wiflies,    thrt 
Britain,  and  thofe  provinces  may   effectu- 
ally c«mmiferate  the  unfortunate  fituation 
of  the  unhappy  fufferers.     Surely  thofe  fol- 
diers,  who  on  principles  of  virtue  and  glo- 
ry defend  their  country  j  will,    on  the  re- 
cftablifliment  of  peace,    chearfuUy   return 
to  their  families  and  avocations.    Mofl:  cer- 
tainly, the  reader   will  not   be  bullied  by 
fuch  impotent   menaces,    but   will  readily 
perceive  the  true  caufe  of  our  author's  aver- 
iion  to  conciliatory  meafures,  viz.  that  in 
fuch  cafe  he  would  no  longer  be  able  to  fifli 
in  troubled  waters;  that  peace  would  reduce 
him  and  his  aflbciates  to  their  native  infigni- 
ficance.    Peace  doth  not  fuit  fuch  men  :  A- 
narchy  and  war — civjl  war  is  their  grand  re- 
fource  :    They  know,  and  perfedtly  agree 
with  Swift,  *'  that  in  party  as  in  bad  wme, 
the  DREGS  always  mount  higheft." 

"  But  if  it  were,  fays  our  author,  and 
even  (hould  be  granted  (that  is  our  former 
happy  fituation)  I  aflc  as  a  reafonable  quefti- 
pn^  by  what  means  is  a  corrupt  nnd  faithlefs 

court 


-"TT- 


"rrri"" 


::V':r 


,,<,  ADDITIONS     TO 

cou.t  10  Iw  kept  to  its  engagcmcnlsr  Woul4 
ZoL  i..v..gine  he  is  lp«k.ng  of  the  cour. 
"",  "°i5  ,hc  Hthi  If  Critain,  tvcr  re 
nnwncd  fo  good  faiih.  (liould  in  any  fmu.e 
IrJli^  ll.e  con.paa.  we  then  indu- 
Ky    ctdcVcnnvel/oroffennvely    v..r 

.l.irlt  her  more  advantageoudy  and  effeft- 

»ue  a  that  light  flows  from  the  fan.  It 
Te  adop  reconcihatory  n>ea  ures.  our  num- 
bers  and  weahh  will  probably  augment  m  a 
Crater  degree  than  the  people  and  nches  of 
^rU^  circumfcribed  in  territory.  In  fine, 
Uriiain  urc  fi,uation  of  Europe, 

r  muft  i  Kit  -.  future  period  cannot 
Co  uinaure  more  unfavoarablc  to  the 

Itll  JZfZZ  and  his  independents 
.r^The  binh  day  of  a  new  wo.  d  is  a^ 

u     A"  (V    c.nr  author.)    I  fincerely  wi(h 

^frhere^t%:al''sl1^^^^^^ 

-^.fplStSofitbrtoi'Jf' 

rather  P^^^^^'y    .  ^d  in  our  prefent 

^-rurc:^tLaicn  fl>ould  be  drawn 


arc 


:nis?"  WouM 
;  of  the  court 
in,  ever  re- 
in any  future 
/e  then  indu- 
cnfivcly,  wnr 
ly  and  effeft- 

axiom  is  as 

the  fun.  It 
res,  our  num- 

augment  in  a 

and  riches  of 
ory.  In  fine, 
)n  of  Europe, 

period  cannot 
ronrablc  to  the 

independents. 
;vv  world  is  at 

fincerely  widi 
From  fuch  mif- 
ainted  with  the 

the  author  of 

eagues. 

;  given  in  fap- 

h   men   ihould 

lan  be  told  of." 

in  our  pre  fen  t 
Inuendo  as  infi- 

lould  be  drawn 
between 


P  L  A  I  N     T  R  U  T  H.      121 

between  Englifti  foldlcrs,  and  an  inhabitant 
of  America  taken  in  arms,  the  firft  arc  pri- 
foners,    but  the  latter  traitors. "     Can  we 
without  horror,  read  this  detcftahlc  charge; 
to  murder  our  deluded  citizens  f     Hrifain» 
as  famed   for  humanity,  as   arts  and  arms, 
lia«  not  treated,  and  I  truft  never  will  treat 
as  traitors,    ihofe,   who  arc  only  contend- 
ing for  their  conftitutional  rights  and  liber- 
ties.    "  The  artful    and  hypocritical    let- 
ter   which    appeared   a  few    months   ago 
in  two  of  the  New  York  papers,    is  an  evi- 
dence, that  there  are  men,  who  either  want 
judgment  or  honcAy."     Every  man  of  nn- 
dcrftanding   will    perceive,    that   this   lall 
daring    menace    is    thrown    out,    to  deter 
Printers  from  virtuoufly  affcrting  the  liberty 
nf  the  Prefs.     If  an  abfolute  freedom  of  the 
Prefs,  if  the  liberty   either  of  fpeaking   or 
writing  on  matters  of  (late  is  permitied  un- 
controlably  in  the  government  of  Britain, 
which    we    are     taught    fo     ftrongly     to 
reprobate  :  Shall  any  reafonable  being  dare 
to  aflTcrt,     that     ihefe  fupreme    felicities 
arc    not    as    effentially    necelTary   in     A- 
merica,    the  land  of  freedom,  or  in  any  re- 
publican country.  I  am  afllidled,  by  remark- 
ing that  the  committee  ot  New  York  *  as 

•  At  Rome,  where  the  Inquifitor  General  conftantly 
refidcd,  the  horrors  of  the  inquifition  were  unkown,  when 
at  the  fame  lime,  it  raged  with  detellable  aud  unremit- 
ting fury  in  the  Ultra  Mountain  Provinces,  where  the  de- 
putie»  refided.  The  firft.  were  of  exalted  undcritandings, 
the  lafl,  only  fitted  to  fill  their  eternally  memorable  infa- 
moui  placet,  by  their  deteimined  ignorance. 


\  : 


f 


122 


ADDITIONS     TO 


it  is  faif^,  have  a  great  avcrfion  to  Plaim 
Truth,  they  have  at  prefcnt  interdidlcd  and 
prohibited  it  from  appearing  among  them, 
by  fcizing  a  number  of  that  pamphlet  which 
were  fcnt  from  Philadelphia,  although  puh- 
lilhcd  with  the  printers  name  on  the  title 
page,  and  arc  daily  felling  bf-rc  under  the 
immediate  eye  of  the  Congrefs.  If  fuch  do- 
ings are  the  fitd  fruits  of  republican 
LIBERTY  ?  Grant  mc  Heaven,  our  former 
inild  and  limited  Government,  where  the 
prerogative  is  aicertained  by  law,  and  where 
every  man  is  at  liberty  to  fpcak  and  print 
his  fentimcnts. 

In  Plain  Truth,  having  too  precipi- 
tately confidercd  commerce,  1  fhall  here  rc- 
confidcr  that  fubjcdl.  And  firft,  I  obferve 
the  re(lri(Ctions  of  Britain  on  our  commerce 
fo  often  held  up  to  us,  as  a  grievance  of  the 
firft  magnitude,  is,  I  humbly  apprehend  ra- 
ther ideally,  than  really  fo.  Here,  I  aflc  thoft 
merchants  trading  to  Hamburgh,  Hollai  , 
France,  or  other  parts  of  Europe;  tu  th-: 
Spanifli,  French,  Dutch,  and  Weftlndit  k.t 
tlcments;  do  they  hcfitatc  to  import  into  our 
provinces,  the  commodities  of  thele  difFc- 
r^nt  kingdoms  and  colonics?  1  dare  fay, 
they  will  not  anfwer  in  the  negative,  but 
the  rifquc  exclaims  the  (uperficial  obfervcr, 
I  believe,  the  rifque  is  a  bugbear,  not  very 
terrific  to  commercial  adventMrers. 


(lii 


TO 

fi  to  Plaim 
iterdidlcd  and 
mong  thctn, 
nphlcl  which 
[though  puh- 
:  on  the  title 
•rc  under  the 
i.  If  fuch  do- 

REPUBLICAN 

1,  our  fornr\cr 
it,  where  the 
iw,  and  where 
:ak  and  print 

t  too   prccipi- 
l  (hall  here  re- 
irft,  I  obferve 
our  commerce 
icvancc  of  the 
apprehend  ra- 
jre,  I  afk  thofe 
irgh,  Hollai    , 
urope ;   t.   th-: 
Weftlndiak.t 
mport  into  our 
of  thele  diflfc- 
5  ?    1  dare  fay, 
negative,   but 
•ficial  obfcrvcr, 
jbear,  not  very 
turcrs. 


PLAIN    TRUTH.       123 

A  fcifure  I  apprehend,  is  an  event,  that 
doth  not  happen  to  one  in  a  thoiif.md  fuch 
fpcculifts ;  if  it  docs,  it  mufl  arifc  from 
the  tranfadlors  mifconduifl.  Great  Hritain, 
as  already  obfcrved,  is  without  doubt  our  bcli; 
market  for  our  lumber,  naval  ftoree,  fliips, 
part  of  our  grain,  for  our  iron,  train  oil, 
liax  feed,  furs ;  I  may  i.icluda  indigo,  to- 
bacco, if  not  rice.  No  doubt,  I  fliall  be 
told,  that  rice  and  tobacco  would  fell  better 
in  other  parts  of  Europe  than  Britain.  I 
reply,  that  we  legally  tranfport  rice  to  any 
country  in  Europe,  fouth  of  Cape  Finifterre; 
and  if  the  rice  vefl'els  bound  to  Holland 
and  the  Baltic,  call  at  England,  they  gene- 
rally have  indigo  and  other  articles  to  land 
in  that  kingdom. 

France  is  well  adapted  to  raifc  tobacco, 
where  it  foon  will  probably  be  cultivated ; 
fuch  defign  fomc  time  fiiice  hath  been  in  agi- 
*ition.  ••  It  is  well  known,  that  the  French 
might  raifc  tobacco  at  home  if  they  would^ 
much  cheaper  than  they  can  import  it. 
The  fad  is  this :  The  farm  of  tobacco  is 
one  of  the  great  five  farm?,  which  make  up 
the  chief  part  of  the  Royal  revenue ;  and 
therefore,  the  farmers  gcncraJ,  for  bye  ends 
of  their  own,  have  hitherto  had  inlcrefl: 
enough  with  the  court,  to  prohibit  the 
cultivation  of  it  ir  old  France,  under  the 
fsvcreft  penalties.     But  nevcrthelefs  the  real 


124 


A  DD  IT  I  ONS    TO 


k  111' 


French  patriots,  and  particularly  th«  Mar- 
qaifs  de  Mirabeau,  have  fully  demonarated, 
that  it  is  the  intereft  of  the  French  govern- 
ment to  encourage  the  cultivation  of  it,  and 
have  pointed  out  a  fure  and  eafy  m^hod  of 
collecting  the  duties  j  which  was  the  fole 
pretence  of  the  farmers  general  for  foliciting 
a  prohibition :  So   that  it  is  apprehended, 
that   the  French  government  will  at  laft 
open  their  eyes  in  this  refpedt,  and  allow 
the  cultivation  of  it." 

In  cafe  of  feparation  fays  the  Dean  of 
Gloucefter,  *'  The  ceafing  of  the  payment 
of  bounties  on  certain  colony  produftions 
will  be  another  great  faving,  perhaps  not 
Icfs    than  ;C20o.ooo    a  year:    and    it    is 
very   remarkable,   that  the  goods  imported 
from  the  colonies  in  confequence  of  thcfe 
bounties,  could  not  have  been  imported  in- 
to any  other  part  of  Europe,  were  there  a 
liberty  to  do   it  j  becaufe  the  freight  and 
firft  coft  would  have  amounted   to  more 
than  they  could  be  fold  for  j  fo  that  in  fad, 
we  give  premiums  to  the  colonies  for  felling 
goods  to  us,    which  would  not  have  been 
lold  at  all,  any  where  elfe." 

In  fl)ort,  evident  beyond  a  difpute  it  if, 
that  were  wc  independent  of  Great  Britain, 
it  were  our  intercft  to  carry  a  very  confide- 
rable  part  of  our  produce  to  her  without 
bounties,  and  receive  from  that   kingdom 

18  twen- 


I 


S      TO 

larly  th«  Mar- 
demonftrated, 
rench  govcrn- 
tion  of  it,  and 
;afy  miihod  of 
1  was  the  fole 
al  for  foliciting 
apprehended, 
nt  will  at  laft 
edl,  and  allow 

9  the  Dean  of 
)f  the  payment 
my  produdtions 
g,  perhaps  not 
ar :  and  it  is 
goods  imported 
quence  of  thcfe 
en  imported  in- 
:,  were  there  a 
the  freight  and 
unted  to  more 
J  fo  that  in  fad, 
lonies  for  felling 
I  not  have  been 

d  2  difpute  it  if, 
)f  Great  Britain, 

a  very  confide- 
to  her   without 

that  kingdom 
J  8  twen- 


PLAIN    TRUTH. 


125 


18  twentieths  of  the  articles  we  now  take 
from  her.     It  will  be  faid,  if  this  is  admit- 
ted why  doth  Great  Britain  annually  expend 
3  or  400,000  fterling  to  keep  armies   and 
navies  in  America,  and  at  this  time  appear 
lo  willing  to  recover  our  allegiance.     With 
the  utmoft  deference  to  the  Dean  of  Glou- 
ccfter,  1  humbly  imagine,  that  our  indeptn- 
diuce  would   endanger   the   Wert  Indies, 
according  to  the  prcfent  fyftem  of  infii)it(S 
confequence    to   Great   Britain,    and    the 
other  powers    of  Europe.     I  again  repeat, 
that  were  we  independent,  the  Princes  of 
Europe,  by   cnafting  perfecutivc  laws  to 
reftrain  their  fubjeds  in  Europe  would  only 
increafe  the  evil,  fmce  every  one  knows  that 
perfecution  eternally  defeats  its  own  purpofe. 
1  fay,  that  this  event   would   encourage 
many  emigrants   from  Europe,  incited   as 
v^ell  by  the  natural  levity  of  mankind,    as 
the   rjopes  of    one  day    vifiting  Mexico. 
The  event  we   now  defcribc  is  doubtlcfs  a 
principal   motive,   which   prevents   Britain 
irom    difolving   the    conneilion.     Perhips 
American  independence  ifcffeiled  at  this 
jun<S^ure,  might  afford  materials  to  light  the 
torch  of  republicanifm    {o   powerfully    in 
Britain,    as  to  dclkoy  the  monarchy.     Cut 
lomc  may  reply,   are  not  fuch  future  prof- 
pedis  of  grandeur  fufticient  inducements  for 

independence: 


A  A 


,26        ADDITIONS     TO 

independence :     I  reply,  that  they  are  not, 
even  could  we  effedt  it,   without  wading 
through  fe?.s  of  blood.     Every  fenfible  per- 
lon  will  acknowlcge,  that  a  well  regulated 
conncaion   with    Britain,   will    afford   m 
more  real,  happinefs.    than  independence, 
fupported  at  an  intolerable  cxpence  of  mo- 
ney,  and  perhaps  of  blood.  Without  doubt, 
a  happy  mediocrity  is  preferable  to  a  dan- 
gerous,    tho*    brilliant   condition;     as    wc 
have  partly  remarked  in  the  inftance  of  an- 
tient  and  modern  Rome. 

In  Plain  Truih,  we  obferved,  that  inde- 
pendence,   or   a  democra---'  government 
would  (oon  give  way  to  .  ->    tary  (yttern 
impofed  on  the  colonies,  by  iouie  Cromwell 
of  our  armies.     1  am  not  ignorant  that  luch 
ufurpaiion  would  not  take  place,  while  our 
virtuous  citizen,  General  Wafliington  com- 
mands.   Bui  let  us  remember,  that  the  per- 
fon  whofe  turbulent  ambition,  and  extenfive 
talents  would  enable  him  to  eredt  a  tyran- 
ny, is  perhaps  at  prefent  a  fubaltern  ;  wnofe 
talents  I  fay.  for  war,  &c.  gradually   un- 
folding will  prompt,  and  enable    him  to 
ruin  his  country.     1  o  illuftrate  this  fimplc 
truth,  let  us  tranfiently  view  the  late  civil 
wars.     When    the   patriots  of  thole  days 
virtuoufly  endeavoured  to  reftrain  preroga- 
tive, andaksrtain  libertyi  they  raifed  armies 

tor 


TO 

they  are  not, 
hout  wading 
'  fenfible  per- 
vell  regulated 
II  afford  U5 
ndependence, 
pence  of  mo- 
ithout  doubt, 
ble  to  a  dan- 
lion  ;  as  wc 
iiftance  of  an- 

sd,  that  inde- 
'  government 
H' tary  (yftem 
lae  Cromwell 
irant  that  fucb 
ace,  while  our 
fliington  com- 
,  that  the  per- 
,  and  extenfivc 

eredt  a  tyran- 
)altern  ;  whofe 
gradually  un- 
nable  him  to 
•ate  this  fimple 
1^  the  late  civil 

of  thole  days 

drain  preroga- 

:y  raifed  armies^ 

for 


PLAIN    TRUTH.      la; 

for  that  noble  purpofe  only  :    The  com- 
mand of  which,  were  given  to  the  Earl  of 
Eflcx,  Lord  Fairfax,  and  othtir  prefbytcri- 
ans  as  truly  virtuous,  as   any  men  then  on 
earth.    It  is  notorious  that  thofe  leaders,  as 
well  as  every  virtuous   patriot  in  the  king- 
dom, reprobated  the  thought  of  deftroying 
that  conftituiion,  which  they  fo  often  bled 
to  defend.     At  the  commencement  ofthofa 
unhappy  limes,  Cromwell  poffelVed  of  no 
fortune,  fcarcely  ranked  as  a  field   officer. 
This  execrable  hypocrite,  poircfling  cxten- 
{ive    military    talents,    and  a  moft  perfect 
knowlege  of  mankind,  faw  with  pleafure, 
that  foldicrs  accuftomed   to  a  life  of  every 
fpecics  of  diflipation,   would  not  willingly 
return  to  their   ploughs,   looms,  &c.     He 
alfo  knew,  that  nine  tenths  of  his  officers, 
being  a  fort  of  Demi-Gentry,    (if  I  may  fo 
exprefs  my felf)  had  dill  a  ftrongcr  averliun  to 
refigo  their  faftidious  profeffion  (unhappily 
for  mankind) more  pleafing  than  their  former 
peaceable  departments.    Cromwell,-  and  his 
congenial  affociates,  by  degrees  acquainted 
the  foldiers  with  their  real  ftrength  and  in- 
lerefts.     It  muft  alfo  be  confeiled,  that  in 
fuch  unhappy  times,  vidtorious  foldiers  are 
very  readily  tutored  by  aCromwv;!!,  Cacfar, 
Vompey,  or   an   Odlavius.     The  Earl   of 

Effcx, 


. ;  A 


m 


r'l 


m. 


S28         ADDITIONS     to 

Eflex,  Lora  Fairfax  and  others,  as  we  have 
already  remarked,  of  the  moft  approved 
patriotifm  and  virtue,  difdaining  to  enflavc 
their  country,  and  fcorning  to  command 
ihofe  military  hypocritef,  were  fucceeded 
by  Cromwell,  whofe  crimes  and  tyranny  it 
were  fupeifluous  to  enumerate,  in  fhort, 
virtuous  gi-nerals  do  not  fuit  foldiers,  who 
are  determined  to  enflave  their  country: 
The  fame  caufes  ever  produce  the  fame 
tftcds.  Hawks  were  ever  birds  of  prey  j 
AND   Men  will  still  be  Men, 

The  elegant  Fergufon  remarks,   "  that  a 
fpecious    government  may   be  formed  on 
paper,  which  in  execution  may    prove  ex- 
iremely  arbitrary."      Let  us  however  fup- 
polc  fix  of  the  firft  fagcs  of  antiquity,  and 
ioin  with  ihem  the  mod  refpe<f^ahle  names 
of  our  times,  and  in  this  venerable  Aflfcm- 
bly,  let  Trajan,  who  was  the  bcft  qualified 
to  do  honor  to  human  nature,  and  to   re- 
prelentihe  divinity  on  earth  :   I  fay,  let  the 
almoit  iiivine  Trajan  prefide  \r  this  auguft 
Afltmbly,  who,  in  the  hours  of  calm  re- 
tirement, are  to   form  a  dcmocratical  go- 
vernment for  us.  In  theory,  perfed  as  fuch 
government  would  feem,  let  us  not  delude 
ourfelves,  by  fuppofing  it  would    long   re^ 
main  unconvulfedby  ambitious  men  ftriving 
to  lord  it  over  their  equals.   Let  us  rtmtmber 
the  dangerous  infiueiice  obtained  by  dema- 
gogues 


('cm! 
ludec 
mefti 
an  ah 
peopl 
his  f( 
Jnnu 
his  a 
him 
of  hi 
iinpe 
mote 
iheir 
pie,  ^ 
thy  a 
the  a 
lure  t 

Iti 
lude 
infini: 
Thjs 
cioufl 
ment 
race 
mank 
erring 
other 

Le 
mofti 
on  cai 
govcr 
arbitr 
placec 
mited 


■"'■W 


TO 


s,  as  we  have 
oft   approved 
ng  to  enflavc 
to  command 
re   fucceeded 
nd  tyranny  it 
e.     in  fhort, 
foldicrs,    who 
leir  country: 
jce  the  fainc 
)irds  of  prey  j 
,  Men, 
irks,  "  that  a 
e  formed  on 
lay    prove  ex- 
hovvever  fup- 
intiquity,  and 
ed^ahle  names 
erable  Aflfcm- 

bcft  qualified 
;,  and  to    re- 

I  fay,  let  the 
\r  this  auguft 
s  of  calm  re- 
nocratical  gc- 
perfed  as  fuch 
us  not  delude 
uuld  long  re- 
as  men  ftriving 
et  us  rtmtmber 
;nejd  by  dema- 
gogues 


PLAIN    TRUTH:         127 

(demagogues  in  every  age,  debauching  the  deft 
luded  people.  Suppofe  a  dangarous  war,  do- 
meftic  or  foreign,  vidtorioully  terminated  by 
an  ablegeneral.  He  is  adored  as  well  by  the 
people,  as  the  foldier}  j  if  his  abilities  equal 
his  fortune,  what  may  not  he  then  cffedl  ? 
Innumerable  are  the  ways  to  accomplifh 
his  ambitious  purpofe?.  Hiftory  affords 
him  too  many  examples  to  pervert  the  laws 
of  his  country.  Our  ambitious  general 
impels  his  emiffarics  in  the  fenate,  to  pro- 
mote unjuft  wars,  laws,  and  taxes,  to  deftroy, 
their  unhappy  country.  The  wretched  peo- 
ple, worn  out,  and  toffed  ih  feas  of  anar- 
chy and  feuit?on,  at  length  gladly  repofe  in 
the  fliade  of  arbitrary  fway,  where  they  are 
liire  to  find  themfelves  no  lefs  vvretched. 

It  is  a  melancholy  truth  that  fuch  as  de- 
lude mankind  conftantly  rfiprtfent  oar  race? 
infinitely  more  perfedt  than  they  really  arc. 
This  hackneyed  expedient  enables  them  fpc- 
cioufly  to  inveigh  againft  the  bed  govern- 
ment on  earth :  Too  many  of  the  human 
race  give  into  the  fnate,  forg-etting  that 
mankind,  according  to  Solon,  and  the  un- 
erring experience  of  ages,  can  bear  none 
other  than  imperfcd  laws. 

Let  us  remember  that  the  Chinefc,  the; 
mofl:  ancient  refpedlablc  and  polifhed  people 
on  earth,  have  atLE/isT  for*  4000  years  been' 
governed  by  Monarchs.  Yet  furely  the 
arbitrary  government  of  China  cannot  be 
placed  in  competition  with  our  happy  li- 
mited government.    I  finally  afk  the  parti^ 


Mi 


130         ADDITIONS     TO 

'/ans    of   the   pamphlet    called    Common 
Seme  it  all  the  rncmcnrs  of  eafc  peace  and 
libeity  could  be  fcU-a^d  and  united  which 
democracies  have  eujoytd  {rom  the  origin  ot 
government  until  this   hour,   v^rculd    thej 
equal     that     portion     of     felicity    enjoy- 
cd   by  the  Chinefe    during  the    reign  oui 
of  one  of  their  princes  r  Impelled  by  exalted 
truth,  wc  answer  in  •■he  negative.    Eternally 
true  as  this  aflertion  will  remain,  muft  not 
fuch  partizans  blulli  to  remember  they  be- 
lieved the  ablurd   paradoxes  and  continued 
fairhoods    of    that    delpicable   prc'dudlion  ? 
Will  they  not  I  fay  blu(h  they  belitved  thi^t 
all  the  blood  fpilt  on  earthy  that  alnioft  all 
the  mifciics  of  mankind  originated  from 
kings?  And  will  they  not  forever  blufh  to 
have  (aid  thatiucha  miferablc  produdlion  as 
the  pamphlet  in  queftion  was  unanfwerablc: 
In  Ihort,   let  us  remember,  that  by  our 
connexion  with   Great  Britain,    wc  have 
been  the  happieft  people  on  earth,  and  by 
a  juft  agreement  with  her  wc  may  lon^ 
continue  fo.      Let  us  difpaflionately  conij- 
der,  that  in  a  connedion  with  Great  Bri- 
tain, we  may  polTefs  all  the  roses  of  in- 
dependence, without  being  curfcd  with  its 
innumerable  tmorns. 

We  (ball  take  little  notice  of  the  viru- 
lent abufc  with  which  the  Appendix  writer 
impotently  befpatters  the  refpedtable  people, 
called  Quakers.  His  fcurrility  on  this  oc- 
cafion  reminds  us  of  the  fable  of  the  dog 
and  the  moon.  Well  has  Hume  faid  **  that 


ihere 
wiih 

indui 
tinizii 
5cc. 
th;)r's 
teflira 
'«  it  t 
ail  rel 
that  1 
ftituti 
Preff, 
Th 
refpei 
hope 
as  tb 
Fenitj 
excel 
the  a 
colon 
cipali 
crful 
chrifl 
ingr; 
to  th 
exan" 
mora 
of  t 
pclie 
felf, 
He  < 
neral 
der 
ted  I 


>  TO 

cd    Common 
eafc  peace  aiul 

I  united  which 

II  the  origio  ot 
,  wcuid  thej 
"clicity  enjoy- 
the  reign  oii>j 
:Ued  by  exalted 
live.  Eternally 
nain,  inuft  not 
;mber  they  hi 
and  continued 
le  prddudlion  ? 
;y  belitved  thtit 
that  alnioft  all 
iriginated  from 
"orever  blufh  to 
Ic  prcduftion  as 

>  unanfwerablc: 
ler,  that  by  our 
itain,  wc  have 
1  earth,  and  by 

we  may  lon^ 
(iionately  confi- 
^ith  Great  Bri- 
;  ROSES  of  in- 
curred with  its 

ce  of  the  viru- 
\ppendix  writer 
fpedlable  people 
ility  on  this  oo 
ible  of  the  dog 
lumc  faid  **  that 


P  L  A  I  N    T  R  U  T  H.      131 

lher«  '8  no  virtue  or  moral  duty,  but  what 
wiih  facility  may  be.  relined  aw.iy,  li  we 
indulge  a  talfe  philofophy,  nfU'jj  ^'.nd  fctu- 
tinizing  hy  every  captions  rule  of  logic, 
5cc.  In  this  fort  of  logic  lies  our  .-ju- 
th;)r's  fort.  Speaking  of  their  virtuous 
teflimony,  he  has  the  following  words, 
'*  it  tends  to  the  decreafe  and  reproach  of 
a'!  religion  whatever,  &;o."  Need  I  remark, 
that  his  affj^rtion  is  the  moft  Impudent  pro- 
ftitution  of  language  that  ever  dilgraced  the 
Preff,  or  ever  polluted  paper. 

The  conduct  and  morals  of  this   moft 
refpedlable  focicty,  is  their  defence,  and  I 
hope  will  ever  as  cffedlually  protect  them, 
as   they  have    benefitted  tbeir  province  of 
Pennfyhama,  and  adorned  mankind  by  their 
excellent  example.     We  mufi  confefs  that 
the  advancement  of  the  adjoining  middle, 
colonies  in  induftry  and  morality,  was  prin- 
cipally owing  to  the  y»;ry  laudable  and  pow- 
erful  example   of  thole  real  pradlicers    of 
chriftianity.     This  honeft  truth  isdidattd 
in  gratitude  for  the  fignal  bleflings  derived 
to  the  community  at  large  in  the  virtuous 
example  of  thofe  induftiious  and  peaceable 
moralifts.     Utterly  unconncdled  with  any 
of    the    fociety     is     the   writer,     who    is 
pcfleffed  of  property,  and  if  he  knovvs  him- 
felf,  of  a  natural  independence    ot  fpirif. 
lie  execrates  flattery  as  ardently  as  he  ve- 
nerates truth.    He  therefore  hopes  the  rea- 
der will  perufe  Voltaire,  and  other  celtbia- 
ted  authors  on  the  fubjcdl  of  lh:s  eftimablg 


ifi: 

Pi 


132 


ADDITIONS     TO 


locicty.  This  philofohcr  treating  of  tliat  peo- 
ple, Icems  to  forget  that  he  is  writing  the 
hiflory  of  mankind,  which  according  to  hiin 
is  almofl:  a  continual  fuccefuon  of  crimes. 
Were  not  the  fadts  as  modern  as  notorious, 
we  might  imagine  he  is  fpeaking  of  beings 
fupcrior  to  men. 

According  to  Voltaire,  **  t\icy  began  by 
making  a  league  with  the  Indians  their 
neighbours.  It  is  the  only  treaty  be- 
tween thofc  people  and  the  chriftians  which 
was  not  confirmed  by  oath,  and  whiclj 
has  not  been  broken  or  infringed.  T*^e 
original  inhabitants  inftead  of  flying  into 
their  forefts,  infenfibly  accuftomed  them- 
felvcs  with  the  peaceable  Quakers.  As 
much  as  they  detelled  the  other  chris- 
tian destroyers  and  conquerors  of 
America,  as  much  did  they  love  thcfs 
new  comers.  In  a  little  time,  thofe  pre- 
tended lavages  charmed  with  their  new 
neighbours,  came  in  crouds  to  requcft 
William  Penn  to  receive  them  in  the 
number  of  his   vaffals.      It  was  a  fpedlacle 

entirely  new A  fovercign  whom  all  the 

world  thee'd  and  thou'd,  and  addrefled  with 
their  heads  covered,  a  gcvcrnr/icnt  with- 
out priefts,  a  people  without  arms,  citizens 
all  equal,  except  in  magiftracy,  and  neigh- 
bours without  jealoui'y.  William  Penn 
might  have  boafted  of  bringing  on  earth 
the  golden  age  of  which  fo  much  has  been 
faid,  and  which  probably  never  exifted  but 
in  Pennsylvania/'    Wg  cannot  indeed 


T  O 

g  of  tliat  pco- 
s  writing  the 
ording  to  him 
m  of  crimes. 
I  as  notoriou?, 
ling  of  beings 

flicy  began  by 
Indians   their 
TREATY  bc- 
iriftians  which 
H,  and  which 
RINGED.   T*^e 
of  flying  into 
iftomed  thcm- 
Quakers.      As 
other  CHRis- 
conqucrors   ot 
ey  LOVE   thcftt 
mc,  thofe  pre- 
ith   their   new 
ids   to   requcft 
'e  them  in  the 
was  a  fpedtacle 
n  whonn  all  the 
I  addrcfled  with 
crnniCnt   with- 
t  arms,  citizens 
acy,  and  neigh- 
^iLLiAM  Penn 
nging  on  earth 
much  has  been 
levcr  exiftcd  but 
J  cannot  indeed 


PLAIN     TRUTH.      13;^ 

view  this  pleafinf^  happy  pidure  of  morality, 
without  reccivin;;  as  much  pieafurc,  as  wc  do 
grief,  from  his  narration  of  the  horrid  ri:ii 
wars  in  the  firft.  Ch  irles's  time :  Enume- 
rating all  the  ever  detel>ablc  adls  o\  the  fa* 
luticp,  and  military  hypocrites  of  that  a^^c, 
he  fays  they  perpetrated  all  their  abomi.'ia- 
tions  while  they  were  seeking  the 
Lord. 

I  believe  I  have  prr^vcd  that  wc  have  not 
numbers  nor  wealth  to  fupport  a  conlidcri- 
blc  army  for  a  length  of  time,  and  that  wo 
have  not  the  moft  diftant  profpedl  of  foreign 
aid.  Evident  it  is  beyond  s  difputc,  that 
we  cannot  in  our  days  conftruft  a  navy  to 
raife  us  to  inc'  pcndcnce,  or  proted  our 
trade— — 1  therefore  hope  we  (hall  nut  be 
To  dazzled  by  falfe  views  of  grandeur,  as  to 
/cjedl  honourable  terms,  and  ruflj  to  alFured 
deftruftion. 

I  have  remarked,  that  the  event  of  which 
fome  pcrfons  feem  fo  paHlonately  Ibnd,  rrj^y 
in  the  fulnefs  of  time  be  naturally  accom- 
plifhed,  without  coiling  one  drop  of  blood 
to  Britain,  or  our  defcendants.  If  luch 
event,  by  the  misfortunes  or  concurrence  of 
Great  Britain  corld  be  immediately  cfFeded, 
it  would  indeed  plunge  us  into  inextricable 
difik'ulties.  Many  weighty  confiderations 
might  be  offered  in  fupport  ef  this  allega- 
tion }  fuffice  it  at  prefent  .0  remark  that  wt: 
are  not  arrived  at  lufficient  maturity  for  this 
important  event.  Let  us  view  matters 
thrpugh  a  ferene  medium,  and  not  ihrough 


it® 

m 


'  f 


I 


»34 


ADDITIONS     TO 


a  glare  of  deceitful  pafTion*.  Let  us  not 
then  put  bridles  into  our  mouths,  nor  per- 
mit ambitious  men  to  ride  us  to  ruin. 

On  this  occafion,  pcrhnps  it  may  not  be 
amils  to  remind  the  public,  that  great  pa- 
triots have  more  than  once  been  caught  nap- 
ping. Let  us  hear  what  the  Dean  of  Glo- 
ccrttr  fays  on  this  head. 

'•  When  the  duty  on  ftamps  was  firft  pro. 
pofed,  tiie  Americans  made  as  little  obJe(fli- 
on  to  it,  as  could  be  expedled  to  be  made 
to  any  new  tax  whatever.  Nay,  fcveral 
of  their  popular  orators  and  leaders  ufed 
conliderable  intercft  to  be  employed  ai 
agents  in  the  diftrlbution  of  iheic  Aamps: 
and  one  among  the  reft,  whom  I  need 
NOT  NAME,  Wi3  morc  than  ordinary  aflidu- 
ous  in  his  application  on  this  head  :  fo  that 
h:ul  the  adt  paflcd  within  the  ufual  time, 
inlleati  of  bemg  a  flaming  American  patri- 
ot, he  would  probably  have  adted  the  part 
of  a  tax-gatherer  and  an  American  publi- 
can. But  when  the  ouls  and  the  pouters  on 
this  fide  the  water,  fiw  the  advantage  which 
the  minilkr  gave  them  by  a  whole  year's 
delay,  they  eagerly  fcifed  the  opportunity  ; 
tmiiiarics  and  agents  were  ditpatched  into 
all  quarters ;  the  newfpapers  were  filled  with 
invcdives  againft  the  new  intended  tax.  It 
was  injudicious !  it  was  ill-timed  !  oppref- 
five  I  tyrannical  !  and  every  thing  that  was 
bad  1  Letters  upon  letters  were  wrote  to 
America  to  excite  the  people  to  afl®ciate» 
to  remonftrate,  and  even  to  revolt.    The 


of 
tioi 
cci 

(Ik 
pjt 
the 
vcr 
c.li 
A  in 

I 

fom 
ot 
The 
intei 
kno' 
fron 
t^d, 
Grc 
lonii 
and 
are 
effcj 
Jofis 
I 
tioni 
(not| 
to  n 
BritJ 
and 
Bpoil 
Th. 


i       TO 

Let  us  not 
iths,  nor  per- 
to  ruin. 
it  may  not  be 
hat  great  pa- 
:n  caught  nap- 
Dean  of  Glo- 

s  was  firft  pro- 
5  httlc  objcdli- 
:ed  to  be  made 

Nay,  fcvcral 
i  leaders  ufed 

employed   ai 
■  ihelc  (lamps: 

vhom    I    NEED 

ordinary  aflidu- 
hcad :   (o  that 
the  ufual  time, 
Unerlcan  patri- 
:  adted  the  part 
mcrican  publi- 
1  the  pouters  on 
dvantage  which 
a  whole  year's 
le  opportunity  ; 
ditpatched  into 
were  filled  with 
utendc'd  lax.    It 
-timed  !  oppref- 
f  thing  that  was 
were  wrote   to 
ople  to  affociate, 
to  revolt.    The 


PLAIN    TRUTH.         i 


is 


nioft  ample  promifcs  were  made  from  hence 
of  i^iviny  theni  all  the  alliiUncc  wluch  fac- 
tion and  cl.unour,  and  rnock-patriotilin, 
cciild  nuiller  up.  And  then  it  was  tint  this 
\iTy  nun,  thu)  fclf  intended  jniblican, 
(handed  lidc,  and  couim-ncfd  a  zealous 
patriot.  Then  he  appeared  ai  the  bar  of 
the  houfe  of  commons  to  cry  down  that 
vry  m'.a!ure  which  lie  himfelf  had  cipoul- 
cd  i  and  then  as  the  avenging;  Angel  of 
America. 

II'j  roJc  li'  tl'c  whirl'vlnd  to  diretl  the  Storm." 

Even  linccro  Patriots  are  lallilde,  and  ac 
fomc  periods,  do  not  fee  the  true  interefts 
ot  their  countr/  iu  the  cleared  light, 
Thofc  who  will)  to  undcrUar.d  the  true 
interell:  oi  America  would  reap  ufeful 
knowledge,  by  perullr.g  the  pamphlet 
from  which  the  L[\  paragraph  h  extract- 
ed, it  is  entitled,  •'  The  true  intercft  of 
Great-Britain,  fet  Icrth  in  regard  to  the  Co- 
lonies; and  the  only  means  of  living  in  peace 
and  harmony  with  thtm  ;  in  which 
are  inclu '.cd  fivk  dirTcrent  I'LANs  for 
efFeding  this  defirablo  purpol'e.  By 
Jofiah  Tucker,  D.  D.  Dean  cf  Glocencr." 

I  have  been  the  more  particular  in  men- 
tioning thii  piece,  becaufe  I  am  perfuadecl 
(notwiihftanding  the  ininifterial  attennpts 
to  ruin  this  Country)  that  the  intcreH:  of 
Britain  and  America  are  fo  nearly  related, 
and  their  commercial  felicity  fo  dependent 
Bpon  reciprecali^of  kindnefics  to  each  other. 
That    Honorable    Connections, 


136 


ADDITIONS     T« 


m 
li; 


-'111 


AND      I^  O  L  I  T  I  C  A  L      II  A  IM»  I  N  E  S  S, 

ARE    Synonymous    Terms. 

Ill  lljort,  let  us  remember,  that  reconcili- 
ation on  generous  principles  wiih  Great 
Britain,  is  our  true  and  only  road  to  per- 
nimcnt  Inppincls.  Above  all,  let  us  ieri- 
oully  tonfidcr,  that  this  (when  the  Com- 
niilVi  .incrs  arrive  to  treat  with  the  Congrcfs) 
is  the  jundure,  this  the  moment,  when  we 
may  receive  every  thing  wc  can  reafonably 
dwiirc. 

1  crncJL'dc  thefc  remarks,  by  obferving, 
that  if  they  are  founded  in  truth,  they 
v/ill  inltrud  you  to  keep  a  good  look 
out,  that    ve    may    not    he  furprized    into 

AMERICAN     INDEPENDENCY  j 
iKithout  a  thorough  examination,   both  of 
ft,    and    its    confcquenccs. 

THE     END. 


PhilatMphia,  jlprll  \Oth.  1 776. 
fn  a  few  days  will  be  j3ubli(hi.d  by  R  O  B  E  R  T  B  li  L  L, 
in  Third  Street. 

OBSE     RV     ATIONS 

ON       T  II  E 

RECONCILIATION 

O  F 

G    R    E    A    T  -  B    R    1    T    A    I   rJ 

AND       T  li  E 

C O L       O       N       I      E      S. 

iyaFRIEND  of  AMERICAN    LIBERTY. 

Let  the  Goon  of  the  Peoplk    be  the  Foundation  of  all 
LAwandCiviL  Government. 


T0 

'  r»  I  N  E  s  s, 
T  K  R   M  S. 

It  rcconcili- 
with  Great 
•oad  to  per- 
ict  us  I'eri- 
t  the  Com. 
c  Congrcll;) 
t,  when  we 
1  rcafonably 

r  obferving, 
truth,  they 
good  look 
.-irized  into 
•ENCYi 
»n,   both  of 


'  loi/j.  \TjC). 
R  T  B  ti  £,  L, 

O    N    S 

r  I  o  N 
'  A  I  rj 

E      S. 

.  I B  E  R  T  Y. 
undation  of  all 

T. 


y 


